Project loan OK'd (04/15/08)

DUNKIRK - A backup plan to pay for the needed renovation of city hall was approved Monday night by city council members.

In case it proves necessary, the council voted to allow for a loan of up to $60,000 to be made from the sewage operating fund to the cumulative capital improvement fund to help pay for work on city hall.

City clerk-treasurer Jane Kesler explained that this could be a five-year loan with annual payments required but no interest charged.

She said that at the present time, the loan money is not needed, but city council plans call for having it available if needed.

Last month council members agreed to use $50,000 in CCI funds and $20,000 from the city's Rainy Day fund to pay for the renovation work at city hall, 131 S. Main St.

This will nearly deplete both of these funds, and consequently the backup loan agreement was authorized Monday, Kesler said.

So far the total cost of the three phases of renovation work for city hall will be approximately $62,000.

Fort Wayne Roofing and Sheet Metal was awarded an $18,600 contract to completely replace the roof on the structure.

Another contract calls for replacement of carpeting and installation of tile in some areas by J. R. Flooring of Montpelier for $13,541.

Also Limberlost Construction of Geneva is scheduled to do extensive cleanup work inside the building as well as make some structural repairs and alterations for approximately $30,000.

This only leaves about $8,000 for contingencies, Kesler explained. However, the loan from the Sewage Operating fund could be used to cover additional unanticipated expenses, she said.

Meanwhile the city council is continuing to conduct its meetings in the West Jay Community Center, pending completion of the repair work. Also the city clerk-treasurer's office has moved to temporary quarters at 202 S. Main St.

In other business at Monday night's meeting, council members:

•Approved an increase in the fee for obtaining a fire department report from $3 to $5.

•Listened to a report from councilman Tom Johnson who said that plans call for keeping admission charges at the city pool the same as last year.

Johnson added that work is scheduled for later this week to permanently remove the pool's high-dive platform due to insurance liability considerations.

•Directed that all the decorative planters and trash cans should be removed from the downtown area, pending completion of the Main Street (Ind. 167) highway renovation work which is under way.[[In-content Ad]]