Redkey balks at change order

Copyright 2017, The Commercial Review

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REDKEY — Town council members balked over a $161,454.20 price increase for the installation of sewer linings as a part of the town’s huge re-working of its wastewater treatment system.

“I think this needs to go back to your office,” council member Ted Friddle told engineer Mitch Hansel of Fleis and Vandenbrink during Thursday’s meeting.

Hansel had brought the board a change order from Brackney Inc., Brookville, which is installing the sewer linings. Brackney sought the change because the unit price for the lining material from its supplier had increased.

But council members were firm that the company should stick with its original agreement and original price.

“Can we make them do the work at a loss?” asked Hansel.

“Yes,” said town attorney Wes Schemenaur. “That’s why we sign a contract. They signed the agreement. … If somebody screwed up, it’s not the town’s fault. … They signed it. They accepted it. We’ve got a deal… unless I’m presented some other facts.”

“The contract should protect both parties,” said council member Mike Wright.

“I’m in agreement with that too,” council president Doug Stanley added. “I think that’s where we are.”

Other than that hiccup, the project — it includes separation of sewers and a major upgrade of the wastewater treatment plant — continues to go smoothly.

Hansel reiterated that the separation work is done. Sewer linings are being installed. And the work at the treatment plant is expected to come in under budget.

Sewer work tore up many of Redkey’s streets this year, and while the street department hopes to do some patching work before cold weather, it’s likely that potholes will be a problem into next year.

“I get a lot of complaints on potholes,” said Stanley.

In other business, the council:

•Approved a budget of $534,577 for 2018 on second and final reading.

•Told resident Jimmy Phillips that his dispute over weed ordinance violations will have to be resolved Nov. 1 in Portland City Court. Phillips has subpoenaed all five members of the council for that court session.

•Welcomed new police officer Derek Bogenschutz and authorized town marshal Todd Miller to keep his other three finalists for the position on a “hire list” if a vacancy opens up.

•Heard fire chief Randy Young say that trick-or-treat in Redkey will be Oct. 31. Costumed kids will line up at the fire station at 5:15 p.m., judging will be at 5:30 p.m. and trick or treat will be from 6 to 8 p.m.

•Learned from councilman David Dudleston that there had been vandalism at the Redkey Morgan Park, with a cast iron bench “completely destroyed.” Stanley urged Dudleston to make the necessary report to Redkey police so that an insurance claim can be set in motion.

•Welcomed new street department employee Joel Bickel.

•Tabled a claim from Redkey electrician Mark Current for work on the town’s streetlights because Current proceeded with the work without a signed contract and without proof of insurance.

•Decided to advertise for insurance bids for 2018 coverage.

•Agreed to pay up to $1,200 for electrical work at the former pallet factory with the understanding that the amount will be reimbursed by Brackney and Company. Brackney accidentally damaged electrical service at that location and has agreed to cover the cost.

•Approved an additional appropriation of $14,632.37 from the rainy day fund and $2,292.61 from the motor vehicle and highway fund in order to put those dollars in the economic development income tax account. The bookkeeping change was recommended by state auditors who are currently reviewing Redkey’s books. Clerk-treasurer Debbie James said that the state is doing a routine five-year audit. “2016 will be an in-depth audit because of all our grants,” she said.

•Agreed to a water bill adjustment for Rex Caldwell that was related to an underground leak.