Village Waives Bidding Process for Paving Project
Council President Brad English presided over the September 21 Barnesville Village meeting in Mayor Jake Hershberger’s absence. Council member Mark Lucas was also absent.
Council approved as an emergency measure Resolution #4057 to pave South Broadway Street as soon as the current underground utility work is complete.
Project contractor Adam Ackerman said the asphalt operations are wrapping up for the season and a six-week, three readings of an ordinance would push the decision past fall plant closings.
Normally, expenditures over $77,000 require a bidding process.
Council voted unanimously to suspend the rules to hire Shelly and Sands to do the work as soon as it is feasible.
Village Administrator Roger Deal reported that the B & O Tunnel and Trail project is finally complete.
“There’ll still be a walk through and punch list to be developed for anything that is not to our satisfaction, but the tunnel and trail are open for use.” Deal said.
Bruce Yarnall of the Barnesville Depot Committee said the group is operating the “Little Roaming Railroad” through the tunnel this coming weekend as part of the group’s Pumpkin Festival activities.
Regarding the festival, Police Chief Matthew Tippee reported, “I have all preparations in place. We’re going to be out there as much as possible and are going to try out best to keep everybody safe.”
Deal expressed frustration finding and keeping employees to mow grass this wet season. “We’re down to three boys on the mowing crew now. I’ve advertised and advertised,” the administrator said.
“I’ve used water department employees. I’ve used street department employees to help park employees. The grass is growing faster than we can keep up with it.”
Deal also offered a timeline on the bidding process for the North Waterline Project to Hendrysburg and Fairview. It is expected to launch in the coming month with three weeks of published notices, a mandatory pre-bid meeting in the municipal building and a bid opening a week later.
In other business, Council
- approved expenditures that totaled $249,181.24
- approved a request from downtown business owner Susan Lapham of the Blue Moon Tavern and Biergarten to use the West Main Street parking lot on October 10 for the 4th annual Copper Cup Chili Cook Off. All proceeds will benefit the restoration of the Barnesville State Theater
- approved a building permit for Charles Byers, 131 Warren Avenue, for a new fence
The next meeting is set for tomorrow night, Monday, October 5, in the council chambers at 7 p.m.
A copy of the agenda is available here.
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