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Council calls halt on $33,000 wall

By LINDSAY BIANCHI
lbianchi@thecitizennews.com

The Union City Council reacted with anger and frustration Tuesday night after learning that pre-approval was given for a $33,000 wall near Shannon Mall.

LNBJ Construction was given the green light on a $33,978 job to build a low-rise wall on Londonderry Way where they had recently finished work on a new sidewalk.

“The project needed to be completed before the holidays,” City Administrator Alan Grindstaff told the council.

However, Grindstaff’s explanation did not sit well with City Council member Helen Turner.

‘I’ve got a big problem with that.” Turner replied. “We’ve got other urgent needs.”

Further discussion of the matter revealed that City Council member Shirley Jackson had spoken to Grindstaff over the phone about the wall and council member Barbara Bohannon said she had a discussion with Mr. Landrum, owner of LNBJ Construction.

“When did we start voting over the phone? ”Turner asked. “If it’s that important, we need to have a meeting.”

Turner, Bohannon and Jackson have all visited the site and asked if the wall would be stationary.

“You can kick those blocks with your foot,” Bohannon said.

The wall was erected without bids from any other construction companies. At least five bids were taken for the sidewalk project.

“We paid $33,000 for that?” Turner exclaimed.

After more demonstrations of outrage by Turner, Council member Jackson said, “I don’t think we need to beat a dead horse.”

Council member Alisa King motioned that the change order not be considered. Bohannon seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. After being told that the wall would most likely come down, Bohannon asked about the legal situation this decision would spawn.

City Attorney Dennis Davenport explained that it would be up to “whatever the contractor will settle for.”