The Union County Fiscal Court hired two contractors Tuesday for two separate on-going community projects.
The court accepted the recommendation of the Bicentennial parking lot committee to hire Sheffer Construction as a qualified engineer to draw up specs for the look of the new parking and green space in the lot behind the courthouse, formerly the Todd’s Furniture Building.
Friday, members of the County Leadership group, the Bicentennial Committee and city officials interviewed three firms interested in reconstructing the parking lot and Kim Humphrey of Union County First presented their recommendation to the court.
Humphrey stated that while six companies responded to their request for qualifications, only three came in for interviews. Humphrey stated that the committee felt Sheffer Construction could meet the desired criteria for working well with the committee, staying on budget and designing an area with green space which could be accessible by everyone. Sheffer estimated the work would take $150,000 or less. Drawings of the design will be approved by the court prior to the start of construction.
After opening bids, the court also hired Charbon Contracting, LLC, to furnish and install a steel bridge on Pride Road in the amount of $160,684. Charbon was the only bidder on the project. The Road Department will be used minimally during the course of this project, as they have mowing and spraying duties to attend to. The Road Department will be responsible for building the approach to the bridge.
Magistrate Terry Rodgers questioned the expense of the bridge, as it was more than the original estimate. And he was not the only person to question the expense. Citizen Bob Henning, who attended the public meeting, asked the court to consider seeking out others who might be interested in this job, at a lesser price. Henning cited two companies which he knew to be interested, however neither company sent word or a bid to the court.
While he too would’ve like additional bidders for comparison purposes, Magistrate Joe Wells stated that current state of the bridge and the urgent safety concerns over its deterioration won out over searching for alternative options. He felt that all interested parties had time to bid for the project, if they chose, and the safety of citizens was more important.
In other matters:
* The court approved a service agreement for one AmeriCorps worker for Senior Services. As the host agency for an AmeriCorps worker, the county would be responsible for $4,500 in salary. This employee would be managed by Senior Services Director Melissa Polites and their duties would include friendly visits, chores, and safety checks.
* The court approved the Wellness Insurance renewal through Peel and Holland, which helps lower premium costs.
* The remaining grant money for the Caseyville Boat Dock was amended into the current fiscal year budget in the amount of $5,411. Work at the recreation area is underway, although high water has caused many setbacks, Magistrate Chuck Voss says. The concrete must cure before the floating dock is installed, but he is hopeful work will resume as early as August 10.
* New speed limit signs will be posted on Hedge Road in District 2. The court approved to lower the speed limit to 25 miles per hour. Currently, the road has no posted limit, and is a safety concern.
* The court appointed Marilyn Holt to the Extension Cooperative Service board.
