By JONATHAN SNYDER
API Construction was given a preliminary award to work on the water main replacement project for Lee and Sparks Streets in a special Tuesday meeting for the Markle Town Council.
API Construction had the low bid at $2,436,982.50 for the project. The need for a preliminary award stems from the need for a State Revolving Fund loan to help fund the project. VTF Excavation also bid at $2,836,811.88.
Additionally, Operations Manager Mike Grant stated that Sortera Technologies has seen an increased zinc in its wastewater, exceeding what is allowed. Council member Matthew Doss stated they previously requested whichever offending company to put in a pre-treatment or some other system that helps prevent hazardous metals from entering their treatment plant.
Grant also announced that the Markle Fire Department would like to purchase another pickup truck. Grant stated that the plan is to replace a recently sold truck with a one-ton capacity Chevy truck and upgrade it to department standards. The matter now heads to the trustees, who will decide how much will be paid equally amongst the four townships and Markle. Grant estimated that Markle’s expenses would be about $9,500.
Furthermore, Police Chief John Markley stated the department is purchasing four new replacement tasers from Axon Systems to replace their 18-year-old units. The department will pay $20,457.77 for the equipment over five years.
Markley also announced the department’s intent to purchase a new in-car video camera and body camera system from Axon. The new police interceptor purchased by the town needs both systems, with the in-car system costing $9,737.59 over five years and the body camera system costing $7,737 over five years.
The department currently uses systems provided by Digital Ally, but software issues were cause for concern for Doss, prompting the provider switch. While the Axon systems will only be in the newly purchased car, Doss and Markley noted that the systems will be changing with every new police car the town purchases.
jonathan@news-banner.com
