Peters Twp Rejects Aquatic Center Bids

In an unexpected motion, Peters Township Council unanimously rejected construction bids for its aquatic center that was supposed to make its debut one year from now in Rolling Hills Park. The vote to reject the bids was 6-0 with councilman and the pool’s biggest advocate Robert Lewis absent from the meeting. Bids received from five prequalified contractors came in significantly higher than the $10.8 million price that council approved for the project. The nearest bid came in nearly $1.4 million dollars over the approved budget number. Township Manager Paul Lauer stated that staff will be going back to the bidders to see exactly why the bids came in so high. This will delay the project, but some council members thought that it would give the township another opportunity to survey residents on exactly what they are looking for in an amenity like this. Councilpersons Monica Merrell and Frank Arcuri both indicated that they have fielded many calls regarding the size and scope of the project. Council expects to hold a public hearing on the project in the future.