Jun 26, 2008

The Ava Board of Aldermen met Tuesday evening at City Hall to transact a brief meeting and approve payment of monthly bills. Council members also received several updates. Administrative Director Peggy Porter reported the bids received on June 12 for the proposed City Hall project now under consideration by council members, were perceived to be high. Porter said seven contractors had submitted for the project and all bids received were higher than expected. Bid submissions were received from KCI Const. Company, Kindall Construction, Peterson Const., Rojo Properties, Shelhanhamer Const., R.E. Smith Construction and True Const., Inc. Peterson Construction was low with $143 per sq. ft., and True Construction was high with $182 per sq. ft. Porter said that in preliminary meetings, architects had predicted cost projections to come in around $135 sq. ft. However, with all bids coming in at a higher rate, council voted to reject all the submissions. Following a brief discussion, it was apparent council members are not in agreement on the project and whether or not the City should pursue the building construction. Nevertheless, it was the consensus of the board to continue with the process and research all options. Council members asked city administrators to confer with the architect to find out costs for redesigning the plan and eliminating the basement and generator. It was suggested that changing the foundation might better align cost factors and make the project more palatable. If building plans can be reconfigured for a minimal charge, council proposed re-bidding the project. Director of Development Janice Lorrain reported Mike Bristol had resigned his position as chairman of planning and zoning, and Josh Wilbur, of Ava, had agreed to assume responsibility and chair the commission. Lorrain said the commission met last week and discussed illegal lot sizes and fence regulations, but no actions were taken on either issue. Councilman David Norman said he had received a complaint the tennis courts continue to have dead spots on the court. Norman asked administrators to follow-up and see if something can be done to remedy the problem. Councilwoman Judy Lovan also requested city officials revisit the "garage sale sign ordinance" and remind residents that posting a garage sale sign and not picking it up at the conclusion of the sale is a misdemeanor. Lovan suggested the ordinance should be published as a reminder. Donna Watson, Economic Development Director of the Ava Area Chamber of Commerce reported the City Wide Yard Sale had been a success this year. Watson said this was the first time the event had made money. Watson also gave a brief report on upcoming events, such as the Glade Top Trail and grant writing classes to be held Aug. 7 and Sept. 4. Council member attending the meeting were Judy Lovan, Burrely Loftin, David Norman and Ric Engelhardt. The next council session is Tuesday, July 8, 6:30 p.m.