BP COUNCIL: Bids are approved for Belle Plaine Aquatic Center
By JIM MAGDEFRAU
Ricchio Inc., Mechanical Inc. and Garling Construction were the winning bidders in to construct the new aquatic center at the council’s July 20 meeting in Belle Plaine.
Bids were opened the previous Thursday for the project, with five firms bidding.
Burbach Aquatics Inc. recommended having Ricchio Inc. for pool construction at $800,000. An alternate for umbrellas was also approved for $7,000.
Burbach also recommended Mechanical Inc. for the mechanical construction for $489,000, and Garling Construction for $635,000 for general construction of the pool. Bid alternates of $151,000 were also approved.
The total project cost is $2,520,222.50.
Animal hearing
A hearing was held regarding a bulldog/terrier mix belonging to Kate and Mike Jones, Belle Plaine. The police department had cited them for having a dangerous animal, in violation of the city’s dangerous animal ordinance, based on a citizen’s complaint.
Mike Jones discussed the dog’s confirmation. He said the dog is an American/English Bulldog mix purchased in St. Louis, Mo, and is not a pit bull. The police department contends it has the appearance of a pit bull, and has a mix of American Staffordshire Terrier.
Council member Harold Ealy said one veterinarian who looked at the dog said the dog was a pit bull, and that was good enough for him. He stressed the city was not picking on the Jones’s, but was trying to protect the community.
No action was taken and the council let the order stand to remove the animal.
Other business
In other business at the council meeting Monday night:
- The city renewed the Class E liquor license and Sunday Sales for Country Foods.
- A resolution was approved to adopt boundaries for the streetscape/façade master plan project. The council also approved the surveys of buildings and public improvements within the project area.
- The council had an employee evaluation for City Manager Bill Daily.
- Daily updated the council on the Walldogs event planned Sept. 17 to 20. The city is looking for homes for the artists to stay in Belle Plaine. There are 24 artists who will paint murals in Belle Plaine. “It’s going to be a big weekend for Belle Plaine,” he said.
- The August work session will be Aug. 17 at 5 p.m., before the council’s regular meeting.
- Police Chief Kris Hudson said July has been a slow month, thankfully.
Committee of the whole
At the committee of the whole meeting prior to the regular meeting, a petition was presented to reopen the alley behind the Longfellow Elementary School. The petition signed by 12 residents along the alley said they are directly affected by the closing of the alley “vigorously oppose it.” They asked the council to consider reopening it.
Petitioner Brian Novak asked why it was closed.
Mayor James Daily cited safety concerns.
Council member Harold Ealy said that it was in the best interest of the area to close the south end of the alley, and pointed out the area residents still have access to the north end. They were concerned about construction trucks coming through there during the school construction project. It was temporarily closed during the construction period and is not a “done deal,” Ealy stressed.
Council member Craig Van Scoyoc said he empathized with the residents, and knew it was an inconvenience.
Council member Marv DeRycke said the council would look at again in about a year, when construction is completed.
Resident Bob Spading was concerned about the traffic once it becomes a K-6 center and if the alley is opened. It is now a K-2 center.
Council member James Kurovski told Spading, “You told us the problems. Tell us the solutions.”
At the regular meeting, the council decided to keep the alley closed during the construction period, and then it will be reviewed.
- Discussion was held on a wind turbine ordinance. A sample ordinance was presented. City Administrator Bill Daily said someone had asked about getting a small turbine, so the city should look at an ordinance. He said turbines are going to happen, and the city needs something to regulate them.
- Jeff Heil of Northland Securities discussed financing for the aquatic center and streetscape project. He looked at the city’s debt situation.
The city’s debt limit is $4.8 million. With the aquatic center, the city would be at 57 percent of its debt capacity.
Looking at the worst-case scenario with the streetscape at $2 million, the city would be at its maximum amount. “It’s tight, but it’s doable,” Heil said.
This is why the city is considering downsizing the streetscape project.
He also presented interest rates. If the city gets an “A” rating on a 15-year issue, the city can lower what it pays on interest. He stressed this if the city can get an “A” rating, based on what he called the strong, positive things happening in Belle Plaine.
The city can look at getting a “full” rating, or just get an indicator of what the rate might be at a lower fee of $2,500. A full rating costs $4,800.
The rating company will look at fund balances, employment, growth and levies.
Heil recommended going with Standard and Poor’s for the rating, because they give better ratings to municipalities, as opposed to Moody’s.
UPDATED July 22, 2009 9:41 AM