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Bids Come In Below Estimates |
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Wednesday, 27 May 2009 |
By MIKE BURKHOLDER
Managing Editor
ST. MARYS — St. Marys City Councilors Tuesday night received word two projects related to the new school came in below the engineer’s estimate — including one that will save the city $400,000.
Safety-Service Director Tom Hitchcock said officials opened bids on the Shipman Road and utility projects for the new school to be built along U.S. 33 and Ohio 66. Bids for the utilities came in approximately $400,000 below the estimate of $1.158 million.
“We were hoping for more bids, but we are happy with the results,” Hitchcock said, noting three firms submitted bids. “We don’t know what caused it, but there were six other projects out for bid at the same time. The project also involves some deep work. We are putting in some deep sewers, so that may be the cause.”
On the Shipman Road project, the bids came in approximately $10,000 below the estimate. Hitchcock said that project drew two bids.
Hitchcock also told councilors the city pool opened Monday after a mechanical failure forced its closure Saturday and Sunday. A pump broke and the part arrived so that the pool could be opened for Memorial Day.
Councilors also explained language contained within legislation to resident John Burd. Burd questioned the emergency language contained in legislation often passed by city councilors.
“It makes it go into effect immediately and is non-referendable,” Council President Dan Hoelscher said, noting the language is typically used when dealing with contracts. “Suspending the rules can be read once. Emergency (legislation) still can be read three times.”
If a piece of legislation is requested to be read as an emergency, it takes effect immediately after it is passed by councilors. Without the designation, the measure will take effect 30 days after it is passed. If a measure is read under suspension of rules and under emergency, it takes effect immediately and only requires one reading.
In other business, councilors:
• Approved the second reading of an emergency ordinance setting forth the rates of pay for the St. Marys Fire Department supervisors, including the fire chief and assistant fire chief and employees not covered by collective bargaining units.
• Approved the second reading of an ordinance amending the codified ordinances pertaining to wetlands.
The next meeting of the St. Marys City Council is scheduled for 7 p.m. June 8 at the city building located along East Spring Street.
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Last Updated ( Monday, 15 June 2009 )
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