| School
board decides to re-bid track project
In a special meeting of the school board Friday, June 24, it was decided to re-bid the asphalt stage of the track project. There were about 10 extra people in attendance, who were all in favor of proceeding with the project. When asked her recommendation, superintendent Rene’ Forsmann said with all the community support shown and the traction this project is getting, she recommends moving forward. There was some hesitancy from the board as the bids came in much higher than expected due to a lot more gravel being needed on the east end than expected and a drainage basin that wasn’t located in the correct place due to the track area not being staked that will have to be moved. Tom Riener of Valley Paving said there is what is it because the bids weren’t conditional. He said they would be willing to work with the school with the money they have available. It was pointed out that to make a conditional bid, the current two bids would both have to be rejected and the project rebidded. There is also an additional $6,000 to add to have an engineer supervise the project as requested by board chairman Gus Hoene at Monday’s board meeting. Pat Alfrey made a motion to accept the low bid, with Tara Klapprich seconding, just so more discussion could ensue. Aaron Hinkelman said he would like to see the options. Alfrey was worried they would lose their low bid and be stuck with something higher. There was a $10,000 difference in the two bids received. When the question was called the motion failed 2-3 with Alfrey and Hoene voting for and Klapprich, Hinkelman and Tara Rowland voting against. Klapprich then made a motion to rebid with conditions, second by Hinkelman. Forsmann noted they need to lay out the conditions so that all bidders are on the same footing. A condition made was to allow up to 3 years to pay for the work. Alfrey asked Hinkelman what he thinks they would gain. Hinkelman said with a conditional bid he feels they would get a lower cost, likely from both bidders. Alfrey said it scares her to reject these bids. When the question was called the motion passed 4 to 1 with only Alfrey voting nay. The call for bids will be advertised in the June 30 and July 7 Chronicle with bid opening set for 2 p.m. Monday, July 11. In another motion Hinkelman moved to have the July meeting moved to Monday, July 11. After a second the motion passed. In discussion with the engineer after the meeting was over they were informed that due to bid posting requirements July 11 would be too early so the July meeting has been moved back to its regular date of July 18 at 7 p.m. with the bid deadline earlier that day. In the other two items on the special meeting agenda, Taylor Schaeffer was approved for hire as a special education paraprofessional and Kevin Chaffee was approved for hire as the new boys head basketball coach. The meeting adjourned at 8:10 a.m. |
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