City Council awaits more bids on Kirk Birthplace project | #citycouncil

By Paul D. Bowker

RIVERSIDE

The final mission of the James T. Kirk Birthplace in Riverside is on hold.

So, please, no warp drive just yet.

All American Concrete of West Liberty, which has done other construction projects in Riverside, was the only bidder to complete the ADA ramp project at the Kirk birthplace monument located just south of City Hall on Greene Street.

Riverside City Council members were hesitant at their regularly scheduled meeting July 17 to pull the trigger, instead tabling the item so that the project goes out to bid again.

All American submitted a total bid proposal of $35,422, including a bid base of $28,514.

Council Person Tom Sexton said he was in favor of putting the project out for bid again so that more than one bid would be available to pick from, and most other members agreed.

“I’d like to see it get done,” said Council Person Lois Schneider, adding that the incompleted project could lead to an injury.

Council Person Kevin Mills questioned the quality of All American.

“I want to see that they care about the job,” Mills said.

Council Person Kevin Kiene made a motion to reject the bid, and the Council passed it by a 5-0 vote.

Debbins Building

The Council tabled a decision on setting a minimum bid price on the sale of the Debbins building, which is located downtown at 40 W 1^st St.

The building, which has 2,480 square feet, was donated to the city by Paul Debbins in December.

City Administrator Cole Smith suggested a minimum bid of $4,000 and a deadline of August 25.

The Council voted to table the item, pending more detailed information.

Council Actions

The Council approved a service and maintenance contract with Altorfer Power Systems of Cedar Rapids for maintenance of the city’s generators at a cost of $6,117.

The Council approved a construction bid for work at the city’s water treatment plant.

Weed Killer

In his closing remarks, Council Member Edgar McGuire jokingly apologized for discovering that a city complaint hanger was placed on his back door a few weeks ago.

The issue? An area in back of his house on 4^th Street was filled with weeds, and he wasn’t aware of it.

“I got it all done,” McGuire said, laughing. “It looks good.”

“I’m very sorry,” he added.

Next board meeting: The City Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting is at 6 p.m. August 7.