By JONATHAN SNYDER
Bids for pathway maintenance, snow removal and riverbank stabilization were heard by the Board of Public Works and Safety Tuesday.
Minnich Lawn Service had the low bid for pathway maintenance, consisting of trash removal, snow removal and all other maintenance needs for the new alleyways downtown. Minnich bid $37,900 per year for the alleys and Ethan’s Outdoor Services bid $100,000. Bluffton NOW! President Mike Lautzenheiser will review the bids and recommend one to the board.
Snow removal quotes for parking lots downtown were also heard. Minnich had the low bid again, bidding $85 and $150 to clear five or less inches of snow from lots, depending on their size, and a $100 hourly rate. Minnich’s prices rose to $110 and $225 for five or more inches of snow.Ethan’s bid $200, $225 and $250 for five or less inches of snow and a $110 hourly rate. Ethan’s price rose to $300, $325 and $375 for five or more inches of snow. Street Commissioner Tim Simpson will review those bids.
The final project was for the stabilization of the Rivergreenway. Isch Excavating had the low bid at $145,000. Stantec, located in Indianapolis, bid $148,957.50. Other bids from The Stanger Group, KBL Transport and Williams Creek Management Corporation ranged from $15,000 to $190,000 greater than Isch’s bid. Parks Department Superintendent Brandy Fiechter will review the bids.
Additionally, the Board of Works approved a water bill adjustment for Trudy Murray’s residence in the 1000 block of Stogdill Road. Murray presented that a leak was discovered in late August and the city had replaced the line and moved a water meter closer to her residence. Murray added that the bill totaled $125 greater than her normal usage. The board agreed to reimburse her half of the increased water difference between her normal bill and the increased one, which Murray accepted.
Bri Lautzenheiser also requested two fund transfers. The first transfer is $5,000 from the Adams Street TIF District’s paving line item to the professional services. Lautzenheiser stated that TIF training done in February could have been paid out of that budget, but to do that the transfer was necessary. Lautzenheiser also requested $9,600 be transferred to the Clerk-Treasurer Department’s other services line item, coming from a combination of the copier Rental, travel, repair/maintenance and professional meetings line items. Lautzenheiser’s transition into the clerk-treasurer role has seen some additional costs, which Baker Tilly is helping to navigate.
The board also approved a raise for 911 Dispatcher Jayme Miller who completed her state mandated training hours. This brings the department up to nine fully-trained staff and the 10th is expected within the week.
Additionally, the board renewed their contract with Reliance I/O, the city’s IT Support group, for $9,200.
The board also approved an easement agreement with American Electric Power for a piece of land located at the water tower on State Road 1. AEP plans to upgrade their electric poles in the area, and as such will need an easement to operate within the State Road 1 Right of Way.
Furthermore, the board approved a request to close the 100 and 200 block of Market Street and Johnson Street from Toppings to Washington Street to accommodate Parlor City Christmas on Dec. 14. The roads will be closed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
They also agreed to close Spring Street from Jersey to Clark from 5-8 p.m. on Oct. 31 for First Church of Christ to host their trunk or treat event on Oct. 31.
jonathan@news-banner.com
