Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009
Council considers bids for walkway
By William Kincaid
The city of Celina likely will accept the low bid of $308,639 from Bruns Building & Development Corporation, Celina, for construction of the next phase of the walkway along West Bank Road.
The city initially estimated the construction of 800 feet of concrete at $330,000. Four bids ranging from $308,639 to $425,037 were submitted.
In addition to those bids, the same four businesses submitted bids for the final 2,000 feet of concrete that would finish the project. Bruns Building & Development also submitted the low bid of $815,208 for that work.
On Monday evening, city council members gathered for a special meeting to discuss the project.
Celina Planning and Community Development Director Kent Bryan asked council members their thoughts about the bids, including combined bids. If the city would agree to complete the entire project from the lighthouse to the spillway, Bruns Building submitted a combined bid of $1.12 million.
After some discussion, council members were of the general consensus to just pursue the additional 800 feet of walkway. It would have to borrow money to finish the project, Celina Safety Service Director Rick Bachelor said.
Although the bid numbers were much lower than estimated, some council members said the city may be able to pursue additional financing in the future through grants.
The 800 feet at $308,639 will be paid for through a $250,000 grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Ohio Trail Fund and from money left over from the last walkway construction project.
The project would begin at the new water intake building and continue south 800 feet. The remaining 2,000 feet to the spillway will be completed when funds become available, city councilors said.
The first phase of the walkway was completed in summer 2008 and financed through a $1.3 million loan and a $250,000 state grant. The Celina Rotary Club also made a $150,000 pledge over 10 years to help pay for walkway work.
The city pays $110,000 each year for the interest and principal of the $1.3 million loan.
