City ready to let pool construction bids
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The Mount Ayr city council moved forward with accepting construction bids for the new pool at Judge Lewis Park and took a stance against barking nuisance complaints at their regular meeting Monday, February 19.
Pool Construction Bids
Michael Fisher from Waters Edge Design was in town and provided an update on the Judge Lewis Park pool project. He brought drawings, plans and specs for construction with him to leave at city hall for potential bidders.
“Right now, the stage we are at, we have designed the pool and filter building for the site, and are ready for bidding,” Fisher stated, “We could start as early as tomorrow.”
Although there’s still a few underground utilities that need to be clarified, the design process went rather smoothly according to Fisher.
City Administrator Brent Wise noted they added above ground lights as an alternate item.
“It was not originally considered, so we added that as an alternate so we wouldn’t have to change the project scope,” stated Wise, “They didn’t realize that’s what we wanted.”
Other alternate items included an expanded zero entry pool, a family water slide, and an adult water slide.
Wise reported that the City of Mount Ayr will be receiving funding from the Dekko Foundation.
“Just so we are clear, we asked for $500,000 and got $250,000 from Dekko,” stated Wise, “Although it is not the amount we requested, we are thankful for any donation we receive.”
Wise noted they have received roughly $67,000 in private donations at last count, and there is an upcoming fundraiser planned for March 23 at the Mount Ayr American Legion.
Council member Jessica Bishop questioned what the total amount of the project would be if all the extra alternate items were included in the project.
“If we had all 23 of these items, what would the amount be,” asked Bishop.
“It’s almost $3.6 Million,” stated Wise.
“There’s $184,000 in estimated engineers fees that need to be added onto that,” Wise added, “Fees could total as much as $184,000, but $16,100 is what we have spent so far.”
In total, Wise estimated the total project cost to be $3.7 – 3.75 Million with all the alternate options, as costs can vary substantially.
“At one time, $289,000 was our shortfall, gap is what they call it,” Wise estimated, “It [shortfall] will be closer to $400,000 if we included all those extra items, but I’m not sure.”
“As far as bids, how do we get word out to other communities, to construction companies,” asked council member Chandra Poore.
“Swimming pools are a different animal,” Fisher explained, “You’ll get companies that specialize in pool construction bidding on this project, and word will spread. You’ll see out of state contractors looking at this.”
“We have two people that want to do in-kind work,” noted council member Mack Greene, “How does that work?”
“If their pledge was $10,000 then their invoice would be reduced by that amount,” stated Wise.
“As soon as you are listed as a plan holder, then we release that to Drexel Technologies,” stated Fisher, “It provides a path so contractors can find each other.”
While subcontractors (electricians, plumbers etc.) may be local, general contractors typically select the people they work with.
“If there’s a local contractor that wants to do that work, sometimes they show up at the job site, and contractors may pick up local people,” Fisher noted.
Bids are expected to close about 28 days from February 20, and the council could accept bids at that time if the council moved forward.
Council member Greene made a motion authorizing Waters Edge Design to move forward with the construction bidding process, the motion was seconded by Poore, and passed unanimously.
Nuisance complaints
Administrator Wise reported concerns have been brought forward about barking dogs, which is a nuisance issue, at 906 N West Street.
There were 9 dogs at the time a letter was sent out to the property owners regarding the nuisance complaints. They are located in an agricultural zone, and breeding dogs is not allowed in that zone.
Dog breeding is allowed in a commercial or industrial zone, but not in an agricultural zone.
“I met with Rob Haley last week,” Wise noted, “They are still getting complaints about barking from various neighbors.”
“Do we want to move forward with the nuisance process there,” Wise asked the council, “I’m looking for some guidance here.”
The council was provided several options to consider, which included:
• Removing the dogs, although the city doesn’t have the facilities to house that many dogs.
• A fine could be imposed
• The dogs could be put down.
“How long has this been going on,” questioned council member Jessica Murphy.
It was estimated that the city started receiving complaints in October and November of 2023.
“I think they are missing the point here,” stated Jessica Bishop.
“If we don’t want that to continue, then we need to do something,” stated council member Mike Wik.
“The majority of public concern is the barking dogs,” stated Wise, “That’s all I’m asking us to focus on. They need to know what the legal action could be, I will do whatever you guys want to do.”
Council member Poore made a motion to move forward with the nuisance process, and Murphy seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Regular Business
In other business, the council approved the following agenda items:
• The resignation of Chloe Saville as deputy city clerk, who had given two weeks notice and already left the position.
• A resolution to approve hiring Mari Hughes at $17/hr full-time as the deputy city clerk.
At the beginning of the year, the council appoints and approves liaisons to serve in various capacities. Brent and Amanda consulted with the HR liaisons regarding the open position, and interviewed 2 candidates who had applied to the job posting at city hall.
Jessica Bishop made a motion to approve hiring Mari Hughes, which was seconded by Mike Wik and passed unanimously, (with the exception of Chandra Poore, as she arrived at 6:04 p.m., after the roll call was taken).
• Set a budget work session at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 21, as the city needs to send the first part of the budget to County Auditor, Amanda Waske, by the March 5.
• Renewed liquor licenses for El Vaquero Mexican Restaurant – Class C Retail License (LE), American Legion Post #172 – Retail License (LC), and Rumors – Retail License (LC).
• Approved a special Class C Retail Alcohol License (BW) for Gettin’ Slushed South of 35 LLC DBA: Lucky Wife Wine Slushies for a special event on March 15 outside of That’s What She Read Book Store, and a second date during Ayr Days.
No action was taken on a grounds contract for Judge Lewis Park. Wise noted they are having a Park Board meeting on Thursday, and they may have a potential partnership that might work for Little Legue, which may include building and grounds too.
Administrator Discussion
Administrator Wise shared he is concerned that the city may run out of recycling cans if they get a lot of requests for a second bin.
“In some places, I’ve provided a second can,” stated Wise.
“Do we have a lot of people overflowing their cans,” asked Poore?
“You’ve only had one pickup so far,” stated Murphy.
“Would it be better if we asked people to pay for the second can,” asked Poore.
“If we buy cans, we have to buy 100 at a time,” stated Wise, “It would cost approximately $8,700 for 100 cans delivered.”
“How many extra do we have,” asked Greene.
Wise estimated the city has 25 left, plus 25-30 Divine Waste cans.
“Can we go one more month and see how it goes,” asked Greene?
“People need to flatten out those boxes,” stated Bishop, “You’re also still coming off of Christmas.”
The conversation moved on from recycling to a possible revision/replacement for dog ordinances. Wise provided documents to council members for future consideration.
Breeding dogs and dog kennels are currently allowed in commercial and industrial zones C1, C2, I1, and I2.
The next meeting of the Mount Ayr city council will be Monday, March 4.
