School Board President Eric Lawson and Monica Dziesinski’s letters to the editor two weekends ago and quotes in the news article May 4,2026, defended their vote to award an asphalt contract to a higher bidder.

I invite everyone to view the YouTube videos and read minutes of the 01/27/25 regular board meeting and the 02/10/25 workshop meeting.

APS Competitive Bid Policy states “All orders or contracts should be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder.”

Payne & Dolan Bid – $681,400

Goodrich Bid – $713,950

Goodric’s alternative bid – $685,000 (still $3,600 higher and for a lower grade of asphalt)

Bid specifications were for a newer mix of asphalt that uses a smaller size of aggregate and is more visually appealing. If bid specifications were being altered, Payne & Dolan should have had an opportunity to resubmit their bid.

Meinhardt, Rabbideau, and Lyon all warned the board about setting a precedent that would affect future bids. Meinhardt’s concerns were “we can’t start hand picking our bids based on who our friends are and who we like.”

Payne & Dolan is a well-known, reputable company. Their Gaylord office was not pleased with the outcome of the vote and confirmed they wouldn’t bid on future APS projects.

On 2/10/25 (view YouTube), Thrun Law Firm discussed the process of competitive bidding, emphasizing its role to prevent favoritism and corruption. They reviewed Policy 6320, which requires competitive bidding. They stressed the importance of adhering to the law to avoid legal trouble and prevent a precedent that discourages future bid competition.

Awarding the bid to a higher bidder was against policy and legal advice. It could have resulted in a lawsuit.

Would you accept a higher bid at your personal home for a lesser grade of material? #Recall

Barbara Beamish

Alpena