FAIRBANKS — The decision to have the groundskeeping work at the oldest cemetery in Fairbanks done by the city this summer comes after a prospective contractor obtained city information through “inappropriate channels,” said Fairbanks Mayor John Eberhart.
Frank Turney, who has done the Clay Street Cemetery work for 16 years, lost the contract for this year’s work to a new business owned by Hannah Monzingo before the city ultimately opted to have its Public Works Department take the job.
Monzingo, who owns Monzingo Mowing, had learned how much Turney was paid for the summertime gig last year and beat out his $5,600 bid by $100.
“Information was obtained through inappropriate channels as to how much he (Turney) bid last year,” Eberhart said at a City Council meeting on Monday. “I was concerned for Mr. Turney in the way this was handled and I was also concerned for the people who thought they were given the contract.”
Monzingo, who attended the meeting, told council members she was given the information regarding Turney’s bid last year by someone at a city office, but she didn’t remember her name. She also said she was informed about the cemetery work being up for bid by a friend who works for the city. She declined to name the friend.
Monzingo is also seeking to be compensated for $1,400 she spent on a lawn mower and bagger she purchased after the city initially told her she would be awarded the contract.
“It’s a mess, I’m sorry it’s happened and I think there’s been some unfairness on both sides,” Eberhart said.
The mayor said he is reviewing the matter.
