On Monday, following an executive session to discuss contracts, Bluffton council rescinded earlier action that awarded a contract for Jefferson Street Project Phase II.

The rescinded contract was passed during a special meeting held Jan. 4., and was awarded to Helms and Sons Excavating Inc., Findlay. It was initially considred as a first reading, but was changed and passed as an emergency reading.

Monday’s action followed a protest from one of the bidders of the project.

Kevin Nickel, village fiscal officer, told the Icon that following the rescinding of that contract council has officially rejected all bids.

It is excepted that council will rebid the project and repost the bids specifications later this week.

The original bids were opened on Dec. 3 and ranged from $838,539 to just over $1 million. Choice One, the village engineering firm, provided the village with a bid review.

The anticipated award price appeared to be below $840,000, which is roughly 22 percent lower than the engineer’s estimate.

The phase II project takes Jefferson Street from the railroad to County Line Road. Phase I involved Jefferson Street from Main to the railroad.

Several addition items were on Monday’s open session. The agenda is attached.

All council meetings in January and February are held via Zoom. Persons wishing to view the meetings may contact the village administrator for a Zoom link.