Low bid means more improvements put on docket

NEW BREMEN - Village council members received good news Tuesday night in the form of lower than expected bids for a road reconstruction project. As a result, they added two more streets to the annual resurfacing program.

PAB Construction of Coldwater submitted the low bid of $240,973.60 for the Elk Drive reconstruction project, well below engineering estimates of $337,000. Workers are expected to begin in September and complete the project by mid-November.

Village administrator Wayne York said the six bids ranged from PAB's at the low end to a high of $360,000.

Council members also awarded the 2010 resurfacing contract to Wagner Paving of Laura with a bid of $174,981.

Because of the low bid for Elk Drive, the village will add North and South Walnut Street and St. Clair Place to the schedule for resurfacing.

York explained details of the "Efficency $mart" program offered through American Municipal Power Inc. (AMP) at an annual cost of $66,000. The program provides rebates and financial incentives to residential, commercial and retail customers for the purchase of energy efficient lighting, appliances and refrigeration and compressed air systems.

The utility company and its member communities view the program as a way to defer bringing new plants online in the wake of the Gorsuch facility in Marietta, which would cease operations.

Council members suggested York ask AMP to have a representative available to answer questions from residents.

In other business, council members:

• Agreed to spend up to $10,000 for site improvements and other items in connection with the proposed New Bremen-New Knoxville Rotary Club's Sunshine Park. The village has offered a site at Bremenfest Park and is willing to pay for excavation, a gravel base, a handicapped-accessible water fountain and other amenities. The park is geared toward handicapped youngsters and would be the first in this part of the state. St. Marys also wants the facility and its $100,000 in equipment.

• Heard a request from police chief Doug Harrod to repeal several no parking zones established years ago. The sites include several locations on First and Herman streets that are no longer problem areas, according to Harrod.

• Listened as Allison Brady of the Heritage Trails Park District spoke about the Auglaize County Outdoor Survey being conducted as a means of seeking ideas for future park development, district management, services and activities. Auglaize County residents can complete the survey online at www.htparks.org.

• Approved two change orders for completed projects benefiting the village. The first for $1,300 brings the cost of the 2009 alley project down to $178,311.36 while the second for $19,545.15 brings the cost of the Canal Street parking lot project down to $205,899.25.

• Increased by $10,000 the amount of money earmarked for the ongoing water meter upgrade. The project, which involves replacement of 1,350 meters, is nearing completion with just 23 new meters to install.

• Tabled final reading of proposed amendments to a tree ordinance due to a pending tree commission meeting. The session, which is open to the public, takes place at 6 p.m. July 20 at the municipal building.

• Reminded residents of the upcoming youth fishing derby 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday at the Bunker Hill Industrial Park pond and the Firemen's Picnic July 24 on the grounds of the Crown Pavilion.

• Met in executive session to consider the hiring of police personnel. After returning to regular session, council members gave first reading to legislation hiring Nathan Redmond of Allen County and Justin Bruns of Auglaize County as part-time police officers. The men, who are expected to attend the next meeting, replace two officers who have left the department to take other jobs.