Project bids are opened (06/05/07)

FORT RECOVERY - The three bids the village received for the upcoming street reconstruction project on George Street and Hickory Circle all came in under engineer's estimates.

The apparent low bid of $343,793.30 from Chuck Samples General Contracting of Celina, Ohio, was approximately $36,000 less than the engineer's estimate of $379,810.50.

The bids for the reconstruction of the street, curbs and sidewalks were opened Thursday.

A bid from PAB Construction of Coldwater, Ohio totaled $354,291 and Tom's Construction of St. Henry, Ohio bid $368,944.75.

"We are overall pleased with the prices that came in," Fort Village administrator Randy Diller told council members.

Village employees are currently completing replacement of the water lines and making adjustments to the storm drains in these areas.

A contract can't be awarded until the Ohio Public Works Commission releases funds in early July.

The project will be funded by a $156,000 state grant and $125,000 from a zero percent interest loan, Diller said. The remaining funds will come from village street funds.

Also Monday, council members held a brief hearing on the 2008 project budget. This budget, with estimated expenditures totaling $371,000 and projected revenues totaling $350,181, will be submitted to the county.

The budget this year included estimated expenditures totaling $345,650 and projected revenues of $344,495.

In other business, council members voted to remain with the village's current insurance carrier - Fort Recovery Insurance. The liability, casualty and umbrella insurance increased less than 2 percent to $19,950 for one year starting June 10.

Also, council members:

•Approved the second reading of resolutions authorizing a five-year renewal of a 2.3 mill replacement levy for the village's general expenses fund and a 2.5 mill replacement levy for the village's street improvement fund. That one mill equals 10 cents for each $100 of evaluation on property taxes.

The current five-year levy is set to expire at the end of the year.

The general expense fund is used to pay for items such as the police department and to purchase street lighting. Funds for the street improvement fund are used as a match for the village to apply for grants in addition to street improvements.

•Passed an ordinance prohibiting outdoor furnaces. These furnaces are used to heat homes by burning wood which produces smoke that drew complaints in other communities, Diller said at the council's May 8 meeting.

•Passed an ordinance establishing a fiscal officer position. This position will be filled when current clerk-treasurer Janet McCain's term expires and she retires on March 31, 2008.

The passage of the ordinance means the village will no longer have a clerk-treasurer after McCain's retirement.[[In-content Ad]]