By DAVE SCHULTZ
The Bluffton Board of Public Works and Safety will recommend to the Bluffton Common Council next week that a local company be contracted to install a new HVAC system in the city’s Police-Fire Building.
Felger Hart Inc., based north of the city on Ind. 1, bid $148,850 to do the work, and City Engineer Kelly White said it was a good bid. The company said it could start soon, possibly by the end of February or sometime in March.
There were originally two companies that submitted bids to do the work, but when White came on board with the city she asked for updated bids. While Felger Hart submitted a revised bid, the second company — Current Mechanical of Fort Wayne — did not complete a bid.
The need for a new HVAC system in the Police-Fire Building came to light during the review process on the Fire Department and the need for one or two new fire stations. The decision was made to revamp the HVAC system because it was necessary for current operations.
Felger Hart’s bid had complete warranties, White told the Board of Works members — Mayor John Whicker, Scott Mentzer, and Josh Hunt.
The Board of Works decision is only a recommendation. The entire Common Council makes the final decision, and Mentzer and Hunt comprise two-fifths of the council’s membership.
In other business Tuesday evening:
• The board opened annual bids for street materials and concrete bids, and gave the paperwork to Street Commissioner Tim Simpson for his review.
• A water adjustment was granted to a West Washington Street resident who had a toilet and a water line leaking.
• City resident Matt Yergler pointed out that when the Flock Safety license plate recognition cameras were approved in early 2022, a report would be made after a year. Whicker said a report would be made next week.
daves@news-banner.com
