During the November 4 Ostrander City Council meeting, the council considered the bids from Sunshine Sanitation and Waste Management to provide solid waste and recycling services for the city. The current contract with Waste Management runs through April 2022. In comparing the bids and prices from Sunshine Sanitation and Waste Management, Wendy Brincks said, “They run neck and neck.” She also explained she had asked if the city could contract with both bidders simultaneously, giving each homeowner the option to choose, but she said the bids were based on exclusive service to Ostrander, so the council would need to select one or the other. After discussion, the council voted to contract with Sunshine, beginning in May 2022.
Brian Malm, representing the engineering firm of Bolton & Menk, addressed the council about a pair of projects that Bolton & Menk is overseeing for the city (the water tower project, and the street/sewer project). Malm stated, “From a contract standpoint, both projects are past the completion date… We’re required to charge liquidated damages.”
Malm summarized that there are three portions of the water tower project, and the contractor is General Construction. He summarized that each portion of the project has gone beyond the planned completion date, and that by using the contractual process for determining damages, he arrived at a total of roughly $252,000. This includes roughly $188,000 for the water tower project, roughly $54,000 regarding the tower itself, and around $9,700 for the demolition & removal of the old tower. But, he added, “It’s really based on how much additional engineering cost you’d have on a daily basis. But because there was not a lot of work going on during those five months, we weren’t here doing that work, so there wasn’t $188,000 in actual damages. So we’ll probably have to reduce that amount.” He suggested a total deduction of $81,804, and the council voted to approve this.
Regarding the street/sewer project, Malm explained the project was contracted to be finished by September 30. He said the contractor, Alcon Construction, achieved substantial completion by August 31, but he added, “And then we give them a punch list of all the things they need to fix… they were supposed to get that punch list done by the final completion date, which was September 30. Well, they’re still not done.” He suggested a $7,560 deduction on the pay estimate submitted by Alcon; the council voted to approve the pay estimate as suggested by Malm. Malm also informed the council that some spots on city streets will be repaired (“patched”) in the near future. He said although the patches will be visibly noticeable, it’s the best method of fixing the damaged areas.
The council also heard from Nate Cole, who had concerns regarding his property near the water tower (Nate Groth’s old shop). Cole explained that he plans to put up a six-foot privacy fence, and wanted to check with the city about placement before he installs the fence.
Wendy Brincks asked Cole about his plans for the building; he said, “Just a storage structure.” Brincks said she felt it would be wise to check with CHS Ostrander, which is a neighbor to the Cole property, to determine if there are any easements, or any concerns. She stated, “Any chance you could give me a small amount of time to double-check through all the ordinances to make sure that everything flies?” She explained that since the building is considered to be a commercial property, she wanted to be sure about what type of fencing is allowed, before Cole proceeds. Mayor Kunert agreed that “time for investigation” would be wise, so the council can make the best decision, and avoid legal repercussions. The council scheduled a special meeting on Thursday, November 11.
The council noted that the Fillmore County Assessor’s Office will be conducting property assessments starting November 1 for the 2022-2023 tax year. In answer to a question, Brincks said, “They may knock on your door, and they may ask to come in. You do not have to let them in.” The council’s next regular meeting will be Tuesday, December 7, at 6:30 p.m., in the community center. The public is welcome at all meetings, other than special closed meetings.
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