More out of pocket expenses creep up for canal lockkeeper's house

NEW BREMEN - Bills continue to come in for the lockkeeper's house for items not covered by a $650,000 Ohio Department of Transportation grant, according to a report presented to village councilors Tuesday night.

After much discussion and a failed attempt at approving emergency passage of a resolution, councilors gave first reading to a measure involving reimbursement of $8,800 to Garmann/Miller & Associates for out-of-pocket expenses. The amount covers printing and permit costs, with Village Administrator Wayne York explaining the printing costs were greater than expected due to the large amount of bidders requiring information packets complete with drawings.

The amount is not included in the firm's $50,000 architectural services contract with the village. Officials recently learned grant money could not be used to pay that amount so the money came from village coffers.

Councilors Craig Meyer, Craig Hoffman and John Schwartz voted no on the emergency measure to pay the extra $8,800 but cast yes votes for the first reading.

"A lot of people here in town don't know about all these extra expenses," Meyer said. "I think something should be put in the newsletter."

York also noted that a $29,000 fee for Garmann/Miller to investigate a geothermal cooling/heating option at the building will be covered by the grant. The building currently is under construction on the west bank of Miami and Erie Canal.

Councilors also gave second reading to a resolution involving another contract with Garmann/Miller - this one for architectural services related to construction of the new electric department building. It carries a fee not to exceed $65,000. However, York indicated the cost could be more if officials decide to add a loading dock and a geothermal system. Additional council action would be needed in the event that happens.

In other action, the board:

• Previewed a PowerPoint presentation representatives of New Bremen Emergency Medical Services will be presenting to the public Oct. 13 and 27 at the high school. The village is seeking renewal of a 1.25-mill levy in November with revenue earmarked for the purpose of providing ambulance and emergency medical service.

• Learned October will be a busy month with resurfacing, patching and crack control taking place in designed areas.

• Received an update on the installation of a new tornado siren needed as the village continues to expand to the east. The siren is located west of New Bremen High School and north of the football field.

• Authorized the village administrator to seek bids for water treatment salt and sodium hypochlorite as current contracts expire Nov. 30. Road salt is not included because village officials have elected to join a collective purchasing program through the Auglaize County Engineer's Office.

• Learned "longevity" awards will be presented to village employees Linda Fortkamp with 25 years of service and Carl Lengerich with 15 years.

• Reminded residents of the Pumpkinfest to be held Saturday around Crown Pavilion. In addition to a pumpkin pancake breakfast, there will be a 9 a.m. fun run, a 5K run at 9:30 a.m., giant pumpkin go-cart racing, a pumpkin pedal tractor pull, a pumpkin pie eating contest, an antique tractor show with tractor Olympics and entertainment.