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Tuesday, 11 August 2009 |
By MIKE BURKHOLDER
Managing Editor
ST. MARYS — If city councilors pass an ordinance, the Lock 13 renovation project could continue.
St. Marys City Councilors Monday night passed the first reading of an ordinance authorizing the safety-service director to enter into a contract with Hoge Lumber Company for the purchase of four white oak lock doors, without taking bids. According to the legislation, the doors are not to exceed $37,500 and adhere to specifications submitted to the city June 10.
“It’s something council may want to take a look at,” Mayor Greg Freewalt said, noting the engineering department procured estimates for the project. “Hoge built gates in New Bremen, Toledo and Piqua.”
Freewalt said the cost is close to what the village of New Bremen paid for its lock gates. The mayor also said the price is reasonable.
“Our engineering department thought that would be a fair price,” Freewalt said. “The design is done.”
City Law Director Kraig Noble said it is not the first time the city has sought to purchase a unique item.
Noble said when purchasing such items an entity can bypass the bidding process.
“How many lock doors are made in the U.S.,” Noble said.
The measure is slated to be read for a second time during the next council meeting. Freewalt said at that point he hopes for a suspension of rules.
“Maybe (you could) consider suspending it next meeting so we can get it moving,” Freewalt said.
Councilor-at-large Jim Harris questioned city officials regarding some phone calls he has received about an odor coming from the new wastewater treatment plant.
Bill Slemmons, the 3rd Ward Councilor, said the odor could be coming from a farm field or be part of the new system working out some kinks.
“It does smell once in a while,” Slemmons said. “If the wind comes from the north, it’s not the wastewater treatment plant.”
In other business, councilors:
• Passed the second reading of an ordinance amending the codified ordinances of the city.
• Passed the first reading of an ordinance amending the supervisory structure of the city.
• Passed the first reading of a resolution authorizing the chamber of commerce to obtain a liquor permit for beer sales in Memorial Park during the Walk With Nature.
• Passed a resolution approving changes to the classification plan of the city.
• Passed, on emergency, a resolution approving changes to the classification plan of the city.
• Passed, on emergency, a resolution authorizing the application for a matching grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources in regard to the proposed wetlands project.
Councilors entered executive session to discuss pending litigation and personnel. No action was taken when they reconvened in regular session.
The next meeting of the St. Marys City Council is scheduled for 7 p.m. Aug. 24 at the city building located along East Spring Street. |
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 01 September 2009 )
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