The Merced Union High School District (MUHSD) chose to hire locally over saving money when it decided to enter into negotiations with Greg Opinski Construction, a Merced County construction company, to enlarge Golden Valley High School's stadium.
MUHSD board members had the choice of either Greg Opinski Construction or Diede Construction Co. from Lodi. But because Opinski promised that more than 80 percent of its work would involve hiring local subcontractors or suppliers, it got the nod.
Diede Construction estimated the project would cost $3 million, and promised about 60 percent local participation. Opinsksi's estimate was $3.4 million.
Greg Opinski Construction has been a financial supporter of the high school district. It recently donated $25,000 to the MUHSD Education Foundation, a nonprofit that funds scholarships for students, staff workshops and school programs.
MUHSD board member Tim O'Neill said he's pleased with the board's commitment to keep its business local.
The fact that Opinski also donated money to the school district is another reason to support local contractors, because it ended up supporting the district.
"I wish more public agencies would make that commitment," he added.
In some cases, public agencies have to go with the lowest bidder, but the district was able to choose the higher bidder because of the type of construction project delivery method the board adopted.
The board entered in a lease-leaseback agreement, which leases the construction site to the developer, then when the project is done, the developer hands the finished project back to the district.
"This is a method that's gaining popularity," said Travis Kirk, MUHSD capital facilities project manager. "With the lower bidder, you don't always know what you are going to get."
O'Neill said that had Opinsksi's commitment to hiring locally been lower than it was, he may have voted to enter negotiations with Diede Construction.
The project is part of the Measure M bond package, a $149.5 million bond passed by voters in November 2008.
The total estimated cost of the stadium enlargement is $5.8 million, and that includes the installation of a new track and stadium seating, Kirk added.
Those two projects will be taken on by other contractors.
The high school's stadium spectator capacity would increase from 850 to 4,000 seats. Additional plans are for the new field to be made of turf, with a rubberized synthetic track surrounding it, Kirk said. The track will also expand from six lanes to eight.
The field will be raised three feet to accommodate drainage during potential wet springs and summer seasons.
The press box and two concession stands will also be part of the project, Kirk added.
The next phase is to negotiate the terms of a final agreement between the construction company and the MUHSD board, which has been scheduled for Aug. 18.
Reporter Jamie Oppenheim can be reached at (209)385-2407 or joppenheim@mercedsun-star.com.
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