Sheldon signs bandstand contract

Wednesday, June 15, 2016

By Gabe Franklin

Nevada Daily Mail

Sheldon Mayor pro-tem Robert Moran signed the contract with contractor Mark Rives to begin construction of the city's new bandstand during its Thursday night meeting. The contract for the construction of the bandstand was approved by the city board during its May meeting.

"I am committed to signing the contract the council wants me to," Moran said after voicing concerns about the blueprints for the bandstand and suggesting that the contract for the bandstand should be reviewed by the city's legal counsel.

"The blueprints, I believe, are flawed," said Moran as he expressed concern about the strength of the roof, and the grading around the bandstand among other items.

Moran presented two cardboard mockups of the roof to the board, one a simple A-frame in line with the current blue prints and one with a truss system underneath the roof. He demonstrated the weakness of the roof as specified in the plans with the cardboard models. "The poles that stand upright, though buried in concrete, just don't seem strong enough," to be stable Moran said, adding that he had consulted with "two subject matter experts," regarding the plans for the bandstand.

Rives told the board, "If it were to spread, a cable across the front would act like a truss." The cable would connect the tops of the two front pillars preventing the downward pressure from the roof pushing the pillars outward. He continued, "A cable across the back, that would take the place of the wall. I don't think it's that critical." Rives later said that he had planned on using I-beams in place of the C purlins specified in the plans for the roof.

Moran was also concerned that the removal of the rear wall would require a handrail be installed due to the height of the bandstand off the ground. "I think its 24 inches before you have to have a rail," Rives said. Rives said that he would do what was required by Sheldon's insurance company.

Alderman Lois Levaugh asked why there are now problems with the plans. "To go second guessing every engineer, you'd never get anything done," Rives said. He said the other contractor bidding on the project had no concerns about the plans, and explained that Moran's concerns could easily be addressed.

"We have a vocal commitment of about $4,000 from the picnic association," Moran said. The Donaldson Trust has also donated $20,000 for the bandstand and $10,000 for use along Main Street, which the board determined would be allocated to the bandstand.

The contracted project total is $42,410 with the option to add features already listed in the initial bid if more money becomes available.

"What I believe is prudent is that we must have documents from the picnic association and the Donaldson trust by whomever is the person in that organization that allocates funds," Moran said. Moran said he was concerned that the city may be stuck with the complete cost of the bandstand if a donor changed their mind and withdrew their money.

Joining the board meeting over a speakerphone, alderman Perry Fowler said documented assurance of the money from the picnic association could be had by Monday.

Levaugh said that she was concerned that any further delay could result in the Donaldson Trust withdrawing their money for the bandstand. She said, "If we go through the bids again, will we get anyone to bid?"

"I won't" said Rives.

"I'm just being cautious," Moran said as he expressed concern about any problems that may arise in the future. "At the will of the council I will sign the contract when completed, and at their desire I will not take it to the lawyer."

With discussion concluded, Moran and Rives signed the contract for the bandstand.

In other business:

* Following a presentation from Kristi Kelly with Kaysinger Basin Regional Planning Commission and later discussion by the board, a motion made by Leininger to send a letter of commitment to KBRPC supporting the creation of a county economic developer failed to be seconded. Participation would cost the City of Sheldon approximately $600 per year for three years if KBRPC is successful in obtaining partial funding for the position through a grant this summer.

After further discussion, the board decided to revisit the issue next month or at a special meeting if required. It should be noted that only three members were present Thursday night. Fowler was absent, and there is still one open seat on the board.

* City fire hydrants will be flushed after well No. 2 is repaired. Residents will be notified prior to this taking place.

* In keeping with past practice, the board voted 3-0 to give city maintenance supervisor Joe Brzuchowski a $1.25 per hour raise for completing his wastewater operator certificate. The city has been paying a licensed wastewater contractor to oversee the operation while Brzuchowski was in training.

* Brzuchowski reported that a representative from Missouri Department of Natural Resources is coming Monday to look at the septic treatment facility. The city has until July 2019, to be in compliance with ammonia discharge limits.