April 30, 2008

Wellman, Iowa 52356

The Wellman City Council met in special session in the Council Chambers of the Wellman Municipal Building at 6:30pm. Mayor Ryan Miller presided with the City Attorney, City Administrator, City Clerk and following Council Members: Robert Goodrich, Marc Pennington, Steve Slaubaugh, and Matt Latcham; absent: Karri Fisher. Also present were: Mary Coblentz from the news media and eleven citizens. The Agenda was approved upon motion from Pennington, second from Latcham and all aye votes.

The purpose of the meeting was to review bids for the Parkside Activity Center and take action on those bids. Tom Buckwalter, president of the Wellman Area Foundation, reported to the council on his research on the two lowest bidders, Bi-State Construction and SG Construction, both out of Burlington, Iowa. He provided a list of questions to a number of references for each contractor. He noted that the only favorable responses for Bi-State came from the two references they gave him, one being the company’s bank. Other references checked were entities that had used the company for contract work. None of those gave favorable marks for Bi-State. With SG Construction all references gave high marks to the company. Buckwalter noted SG had been extremely thorough in providing information about the contract, bid and subcontractors, as well as being responsive to requests.

Ross had contacted legal advice about selecting a contractor with the second lowest bid. The bids were just under $40,000 difference on a five million dollar project, which is very little. State law allows a municipality to determine the lowest responsible bidder and it was felt by the group that would be SG Construction. City Attorney Dan Kitchen noted legal requirements and stated he felt comfortable with this decision and would submit a letter to state grant officials supporting this decision. After further discussion, Goodrich moved to accept SG Construction as contractor for the Parkside Activity Center. Latcham seconded the motion and upon roll call the vote was four ayes, Fisher absent. The resolution to award the bid will be passed at the regular City Council meeting Monday, May 5, 2008.

Under General Administrative discussion, Ross reported some water issues have arose. A leak survey done of the City shows about 9000 gallons of water a day or 3.4 million gallons of water a year are leaking away. There are three specific sites found with water leaks. He has had contractors look at the areas and will determine the need for repairs. In other issues, Ross showed pictures of Heritage Park where badly cracked sidewalks and parking areas are in need of repairs.

The drainage issue in the parking lot can be resolved by placing a sidewalk in the islands and cutting into the curbing to allow the water to get away. A quote for $1,000 was given to do this work. The storm water drainage issue on 8^th Street can be resolved by hooking into drain tile in the alley, running to the street and installing a larger tube under the street and drop box. The cost of this will be approximately $6,200. This could be added to the loan which will be obtained for 3^rd Street water and street work.

With no further business Goodrich moved for adjournment at 7:05pm. Slaubaugh seconded the motion and all voted aye. The next regular City Council meeting will be Monday, May 5, 2008, 7:00pm in the Council Chambers of the Wellman Municipal Building.

Minutes transcribed by the City Clerk subject to Council approval.