Rehoboth approves security contractor for City Hall complex

The Rehoboth Beach commissioners unanimously approved a contract with Advantech Inc. for security systems at the new City Hall and parking department buildings.

Mayor Sam Cooper said the security systems would include cameras, door locks, card readers, remote buttons to buzz in visitors and panic buttons for the police department in the event of an escaped detainee. He said Advantech will be involved in the construction process to wire the new building as it goes up.

The city had budgeted $500,000 for the security systems and came in well under that; Cooper said Advantech’s proposal called for $60,000 for the parking department and $275,000 for City Hall, a total of $335,000. The commissioners authorized Advantech to spend up to $282,000 for the new City Hall.

Cooper said the city has worked with Advantech before – the company installed the security system at the building and licensing building at 306 Rehoboth Ave.

At a March 18 commissioners' meeting, Rehoboth resident Walter Brittingham objected to the contract because the city failed to put it out to bid.

Cooper said the city is facing a time crunch, because the parking department building must be ready by summer, which would be unlikely if the city bid out the project. Cooper said Advantech is offering an integrated system that saves money and ensures the city gets everything needed for a secure building.

He said Advantech is a state contractor, having done work for the city of Dover, Milford School District and Port of Wilmington. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, which is loaning the city the $18 million for the project, accepts Advantech’s status as a state contractor as representative of a competitive bid process, Cooper said. If the city were to put together specs on its own, the city would risk having to pay for the security on its own, instead of through its USDA loan, since the USDA signs off on contractors for the project, Cooper said.

Meanwhile, City Manager Sharon Lynn announced March 18 that the Rehoboth Avenue entrance to the city office trailers would be closed for the next six months during construction of City Hall. All traffic, vehicle and pedestrian, heading to the administrative offices will head in via Lake Avenue and Third Street. Signs have been posted alerting drivers and walkers of the entrance changes.