It appears that the Ripon Senior Center Rehabilitation Project will once again go out to bid.

Several weeks ago, the bidding opened for the public works project consisting of improvements and upgrades to the kitchen and restrooms, floor replacements, miscellaneous interior work, exterior painting, and the installation of shade covers and benches.

Diede Construction Inc. submitted the only bid in the amount of $745,848, according to the staff report for tonight’s 6 p.m. Ripon City Council meeting.

“The bid submitted is 104 percent higher than the Engineer’s estimate of $365,000,” the report said.

The City of Ripon has the right to reject any or all bids for any reason, as stated in the bid proposal.

Staff will recommend to elected leaders at the monthly session in Ripon City Hall’s Council Chamber, 259 N. Wilma Ave., to reject this bid from Diede Construction Inc. while authorizing staff to re-bid the project.

Prior to the second bid period, staff will look to survey contractors familiar with this type of work and attempt to determine the reason for the lack of interest in this project.