The Boothbay Harbor Board of Selectmen discussed three bids received for the construction of the Harbor Bait building to be built on the Fish Pier at their November 25 meeting.
The bids were from Lajoie Brothers in Augusta for $186,169; Peachey Builders in Augusta for $199,700; and Clear Stream Construction in Boothbay for $334,414.
Town Manager Tom Woodin said he had spoken with Lajoie Brothers and Public Works Director Jody Lewis and that both felt Lajoie was a good choice.
Woodin also mentioned that Lajoie gets most of their materials from Hammond Lumber, and they were open to the town buying the materials themselves since their municipal discount would be larger than theirs.
Selectman Denise Griffin suggested it be added into the bid acceptance that Lajoie needs to buy all the materials locally.
Board Chairman Bill Hamblen said that though he liked the idea, such a restriction was not part of the original bid guidelines and could not be added. However, he suggested it be added as a suggestion rather than a requirement.
Nick Ullo, executive director of the Boothbay Region Land Trust, asked if anyone had checked to see what quality of work Lajoie does. Hamblen replied that Lewis had checked, and reported that they did good work, which was thorough and professional.
Selectmen unanimously accepted the bid of Lajoie Brothers, 4-0. Selectman Robert Splaine was not in attendance.