Tew’s, Borough sign termination agreement

WASILLA — Plans are moving forward to find a permanent replacement contractor for the borough’s Big Lake Road Service Agreement (RSA) area after Mat-Su Borough Manager John Moosey and Tew’s Inc. owners Clayton and Roberta Tew signed a mutual contract termination agreement earlier this week.

The document stipulates no wrong-doing by either party and pays the Big Lake-based firm just under $35,200 for services rendered through Oct. 21, the day the borough terminated its agreement with Tew’s. It also prohibits Tew’s Inc. from bidding on borough projects for three years with the exception of renewing an existing waste-hauling contract, continuing operation of the Valley Mover public transportation system, or tire replacement services.

The borough cited work deficiencies in maintaining Big Lake area roads as spelled out in the five-year agreement in its decision to relieve Tew’s Inc. Mat-Su Director of Public Works Terry Dolan said Anchorage-based Western Construction will fill the void from 30 days up to six weeks if needed. The firm was the lowest of three submitted bids.

“They do a lot of construction projects for the borough and have a great reputation,” said Dolan.

Dolan explained that the Western Construction will be paid on an “as needed” basis, or for time and materials while filling the void. He said the company will spend four hours daily monitoring Big Lake RSA roads. Regarding finding a permanent replacement, Dolan said his office is close submitting the new contract specifications to the borough’s purchasing department.

After its approval, the borough will receive bids for two weeks. Those will be opened and the low bidder selected. The bidder will have to prove it can meet all contract requirements before final approval.