Sheldon aldermen discuss bandstand delays

Nevada Daily Mail

The bandstand project continues to be a predominant issue of discussion at Sheldon's board of aldermen meetings.

In March, the board of aldermen voted to table the project after opening two bids for the bandstand, the lower of which was more than twice the expected cost. Dividing the project into smaller, more affordable phases was discussed.

During the boards April 14 meeting, alderman Robert Moran handed out a plan showing the different phases for the bandstand project. Phase one, the removal of the old bandstand and site preparation work has been completed by the city maintenance technician. Phase two includes all concrete work including foundation, footings, and fill. Phase three involves construction of columns, and the roof. Phase four includes the installation of decorative landscaping around the band stage, and stage five would consist of installation of all of the required electrical lines and fixtures.

Moran said that each phase could be completed individually, as a group, or the project as a whole. Alderman Joshua Lamb suggested and Moran agreed that the electrical work could be completed before the cosmetic work.

The original plans called for structural steel to extend from the roof through the foundation. Problems with that design were pointed out. Moran said, "Earthquakes are not out of the question due to the fracking in Oklahoma," and suggested that the uprights be bolted to the concrete platform.

Alderman-elect Gene Leininger asked if the city was completely taking over the project and whether the suggested alternative of a wooden gazebo was being considered. He said a wooden gazebo of the same dimension could be purchased for around $25,000.

Phyllis Sprenkle said that a gazebo was not what the bandstand committee had come up with.

Lamb is concerned about a wooden structure and it not being as durable as concrete, steel, and rock. Lamb also expressed concern over spending more money on the bandstand with the city facing sewer system problems.

Moran was concerned that the original bidders be given the opportunity to adjust their bids to any changes in the specifications made by the committee and the city.

There is the possibility of the bandstand being built off site and hauled in by truck. This way, only the actual work done to set the bandstand in place would require workers be paid prevailing wage which accounted for significant portions of the two bid offers.

The board tabled any decision on the bandstand so that the bandstand committee could meet and discuss the alternatives brought up at the board meeting. The bandstand will be discussed again at May's meeting.

In other business, fire department chief Bill Jeffries reported that the new brush truck has been painted and a pump is on order. The tank and a hose reel have already been installed.

On April 30, the fire department hosted a fundraiser cookout at Jenny's Kitchen.

Once the new brush truck is in service, the department is set to receive a 5-ton truck from Missouri Department of Conservation, which will replace the current tanker.

City maintenance technician Joe Brzuchowski reported that the chlorine injector on well No. 2 is not functioning correctly, resulting in the water having a bad odor.

Brzuchowski said the new mower is working well and resulting in an approximate fuel savings of 5 gallons each time he mows.

Also, allowable wastewater ammonia levels are being lowered next year. Missouri Department of Natural Resources is attempting to get a waiver in place with the Environmental Protection Agency in which each city will have it's own maximum ammonia level rather than having to abide by a state wide level.

Brzuchowski reported that the lagoon needs to be dredged and several aerators repaired. This will help lower the ammonia levels.

Lamb said, "I know the lagoon has issues, it's money like everything else."

Phyllis Sprenkle of the Sheldon Betterment Committee reported that two workdays have been scheduled for the walking trail, May 2 and May 16 at 10 a.m. and volunteers are welcome and needed.

The truck being bid on for the recycling grant went for more than the city had budgeted.

A single bid to replace three sections of sidewalk along the south side of Main Street was rejected. The bid from Kenney Construction out of Stockton totaled $44,075. Moran said, "We don't have that much money."

The city received no bids for the fence project.

The board voted 3-1 to accept the certified election results with out-going alderman Josh Lamb being the sole dissenting vote.

The board adjourned and reconvened with Perry Fowler and Gene Leininger being sworn in. The board reorganized with Moran nominating himself as board president. The board approved 4-0. The next meeting will be May 12, at 6 p.m. to accommodate a guest speaker.