Redkey hires firm for town mowing

REDKEY - A contract for mowing town property has been awarded.

Meeting in a special session Thursday night, Redkey council members awarded the 2010 mowing contract to J.W. Lawn Care of rural Redkey.

Robert Bicknell, who performed those services for the past several years, announced recently he was giving up the contract.

At Thursday night's meeting, six proposals were reviewed before this season's contract was unanimously awarded to J.W. Lawn Care. Council members said that J.W. submitted the lowest price among the firms meeting all the council's requirements.

J.W. has the necessary insurance and agreed to mow all town properties including the Morgan Park area, trim around structures and remove debris and tree branches in the way of the mowing operations for $600 a month, starting in April and continuing through the end of the growing season. J.W. Lawn Care will provide the necessary equipment to do the job, while the town supplies the fuel, the contract states.

During discussions, council member Terri Taylor raised the possibility of Redkey buying its own lawn mowing equipment and then handling the job itself, possibly with part-time laborers. However, town council president Doug Stanley said, "This would not be a good time for a large capital outlay by the town like that."

Paul Fulkerson, representing J.W. Lawn Care, told council members: "I guarantee you won't be disappointed."

In other action, council members:

•Agreed to appoint Jim Funkhouser to supervise the police and wastewater departments on a temporary basis while councilman Phil Philebaum is recovering from surgery. Council president Doug Stanley said he would oversee the fire department, which had previously been assigned to Funkhouser.

•Noted that the fire station roof was still leaking - despite repairs done earlier this year - and that some windows and brick work on that historic building should be repaired as soon as possible. Fire Chief Randy Young said that town officials are planning to apply for grant money to totally refurbish the structure, but some repairs are needed as soon as possible to maintain the integrity of the building.

Stanley said he will contact Larry Kelly Roofing of Dunkirk, the firm that was hired by the town earlier this year to make the roof repairs, and ask that company to return and repair the leaks.

•Approved the purchase of a Toshiba Notebook computer from DCS Computer Sales and Service Inc., Dunkirk, for Redkey water department superintendent Bill Tressler to use to study for upcoming state certification requirement tests. When Tressler is finished with his studies, the computer will be transferred for use to the clerk-treasurer's office. The purchase price is $599, Stanley said.

•Agreed with a request from Funkhouser to hold an executive session at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 8, to discuss employee job performance evaluations.

•Heard a report from Taylor that work is underway to patch potholes in alleys and streets. The next major goal is working on George Street, she said.

•Were reminded that the Redkey Volunteer Fire Department annual Easter egg hunt for children is scheduled for Saturday at 10 a.m. on the Redkey Elementary School grounds.[[In-content Ad]]