After months and months of planning, discussion, and a referendum last fall, the Chatfield City Council approved a combined bid submitted by Benike Construction and Ricchio, Inc. for the construction of a new swimming pool during their July 9 meeting. The bid was approved with a 4:1 vote, councilor Mike Urban voted no. The combined bid is $4,279,243.93, which is the low bid. A representative from Burbach Aquatics, Inc. said the bids were close. The combined bid was recommended in a letter from the architectural and engineering firm.
This bid included pool construction, mechanical construction, and general construction. Three alternate items offered were withheld and are not included in the construction bid accepted: fiberglass fence, asphalt paving, and a second diving tower.
Two bids were submitted for the demolition of the old pool. The low bid from Fraser Construction in the amount of $105,985 was approved.
Councilor Paul Novotny said the bulk of the work connected to the planning of the pool was done before it came to the city council. The Pool Committee and an effort involving both the school district and the city invested many hours looking at options and planning. Unfortunately, some old trees will need to be removed at the pool site. Urban added every site discussed for the pool posed some challenges.
Presentation of Preservation Award
Each year during the celebration of Preservation Month, an award is given to someone who has contributed to historical preservation in Chatfield. This year’s award went to Marion Lund for the restoration of the historic wall behind the bed and breakfast, Oakenwald Terrace, located at 218 Winona St. This is one of Chatfield’s most noteworthy landmarks. Lund praised the city, noting it has been nearly 45 years since they moved to Chatfield.
Other business in brief
• Heidi ‘Bly’ Jones introduced herself. She is running for Fillmore County Auditor/Treasurer. Jones said she grew up in Fillmore County and has lived here most of her life. She has two children and one granddaughter. Jones has served the public about 11 years working in the auditor/treasurer office. She said, “I started at the bottom and worked my way up.” Jones is serving her second term as a member of the Ostrander City Council.
Three people have filed for this office so there will be a primary election on August 14.
• EDA Coordinator Chris Giesen explained Rocky and Melissa Burnett have requested an additional $15,000 loan to finish the renovation of the building at 208 South Main. They intend to relocate and expand their home-based business, Big Girl Stickers, to this building’s storefront which has been vacant for 47 years. A loan of $25,000 was approved for the couple last February. There will be two new apartment units created upstairs.
Due to some unforeseen issues, especially the repair of the back wall, the additional funds are needed to complete the project. The loan modification was approved as recommended by the EDA.
• Brian Burkholder reviewed a proposal for chip sealing for 2018. He recommended staying with Pearson Bros. to do the work this year. The $40,250.50 bid was approved. A bid for crack-filling from S & L Contracting was also approved in the amount of $9,695.10. Streets included are portions of Fillmore, Cliff, Grove, Spring, and Margaret NE. Also included is Library Lane.
• The Minnesota Department of Health Oral Health Program awarded Chatfield the community water fluoridation “50 Year Award.” This is to recognize “public water systems that have consistently adjusted the fluoride concentration in drinking water for the past 50 years.”
• National Night Out will be hosted by Calvary Baptist Church on August 7. Meet your neighbors and also meet the Chatfield Emergency Services Personnel. This is a free night of fun, food, and activities.
• A temporary permit to MnDOT was approved for sidewalk construction.