Herzog Contracting of St. Joseph was the apparent low bidder on this summer’s street project in Bethany.
The Bethany City Council reviewed bids last week submitted by Herzog and Norris Asphalt. Herzog’s bid was $75 to $77 a ton to asphalt streets in the Daily Addition, the Broyles Addition, Countryside East and downtown Bethany.
The contractor estimated that the project would require the laying of about 10,000 tons of asphalt. Herzog said its asphalt plant will be in Bethany until April when it will move to Gallatin, where a smaller road project will be underway.
City officials have been concerned about an early spring start for the project because of the uncertainty of weather. The city also will have to do a great deal of preparation work, such as installing culverts and ditch work, before the streets are ready for pave.
The city plans to eventually repave all streets in the community as part of the $3.7 million project.
The bids are being reviewed by the project supervisor.
In other business, the council met with southern Harrison County landowner Bryan Pash who complained about the bill he received for a grass fire on his property. Pash said the $1,200 bill he received for the fire call was excessive. The city has enacted new rates for fire calls outside the Bethany city limits.
“If I knew it was going to cost $1,200, I would have let it burn,” Pash said.
Pash offered to pay $300 for the fire call.
“I think you need to come up with a fairer price,” he said.
The council approved a recommendation by light Superintendent Kenny Robertson to purchase a battery backup system for the electrical substation in south Bethany. City Administrator Jan Hagler said part of the costs may qualify for a grant from the Missouri Public Utility Alliance, which supplies power to Bethany.
The council reviewed bids for the removal of asbestos tiles from the roof of the covered parking lot at the Bethany Public Library. The bids ranged from $12,500 to $20,000. Pigeons roosting above the tiles have created a nuisance for persons using the parking lot.
The council gave permission for police officer Eric Rimmer to work as a part time deputy for the sheriff’s department. On a related matter, Hagler reported that Seth Allen of Hamilton began duties as a police officer on Sunday.