Sean C. Morgan
The Sweet Home City Council unanimously voted to reject all bids for a proposed bulk water filling station last week.
During its regular meeting on Oct. 14, the council asked staff to return to the drawing board and bring back a smaller project.
The low bidder on the project was Exca-Drain Construction of Halsey, with a bid of $109,000. The project total would be $134,000 with a $19,600 point-of-sale system installed and a 5-percent contingency budget.
The city budgeted $135,000 this year for the project, which is among those identified in its All-Hazard Mitigation Plan, a document recently revised and approved by the council. The funds are from two sources, systems development charges and capital improvements, both of which must be used for new projects or to expand the capacity of the water system.
The proposed station would be built at the Public Works yard off 24th Avenue, with space for large vehicles. The covered station would provide access to bulk water 24 hours per day, with an automated payment system.
The project has been in the city’s budget for several cycles, said City Manager Craig Martin, and city staff sought bids after approval from the council.
“The next move is yours if you want to go forward or not,” said Public Works Director Mike Adams.
Councilor Dave Trask has opposed the project, objecting during budget sessions the past couple of years.
Councilor Bruce Hobbs said he wasn’t ready to go forward at this point, and Trask said his position is clear. Hobbs moved to reject the bids and “rescope” the project.
Martin asked the council what it meant by rescope, and Mayor Jim Gourley told him staff should return with smaller alternatives.
Trask said he would like to see the project move forward after the council election in November. Martin said it wouldn’t come back to the council until after the first of the year.
Present at the meeting were councilors Hobbs, Trask, Gourley, Craig Fentiman, Greg Mahler and Marybeth Angulo. The seventh seat is vacant.
In other business, the council:
– Accepted the resignation of Anay Hausner from the Planning Commission. Hausner is running for City Council.
– Held the first and second reading of ordinance revisions that will allow recreational vehicle owners to use them on private property for up to 60 days in any yearlong period with proper permitting. Currently, RVs may be used a maximum of seven days per year.
The third reading will be completed at the council’s regular meeting on Oct. 28. After the third reading, the council may take action on the proposed ordinance.
– Linn-Benton Young Marines Lance Cpl. Jayme McDonald presented information about upcoming Red Ribbon Week.