By Jim Bloch
After five years of using Scotty’s Potty’s to provide portable restrooms in city parks, the city of Port Huron is switching to Jay’s Septic Service out of Lapeer.
Jay’s submitted the lowest of three bids for the contract, which includes supplying 32 regular portable restrooms, eight units that meet the standards of the Americans with Disability Act and daily cleaning of the restrooms at the Riverside Boat Launch.
“Providing clean restrooms is critical for a safe and sanitary experience for all that enjoy our parks,” said City Manager James Freed in his memo to Mayor Anita Ashford and the city council.
Jay’s quoted $365,577 for the five-year contract. Scotty’s, which is based in Port Huron, came in at $539,448. Carl’s Septic Service LLC, of Brockway, was high at $1,173,189.
Council member Bob Mozurak asked the city manager to discuss the cost savings.
“This is kind of a little tug at the heart,” said Freed as heard on the recording of the meeting posted on the city’s website. “When you bid things out per our ordinances, you have to take the low bid. This a significantly lower bid from Jay’s Septic. Scotty’s Potty’s has held the contract for many years, and they have done an incredible job for the city. They’ve served the city well as we influx and have events and needed more porta-johns.”
Jay’s bid was about 30 percent less than Scotty’s, Freed said.
“Scotty’s Potty’s was not bad in any way,” Freed said. “I just wanted to take a moment to thank them for doing such an incredible job for our city. Hopefully in a few years they can get it back.”
“So, it’s a cost saving thing,” said Ashford.
“Yes,” said Freed.
The council voted 7-0 to accept the bid of Jay’s Septic.
Jim Bloch is a freelance writer based in St. Clair, Michigan. Contact him at bloch.jim@gmail.com.
