The Kipling Road and Springfield Drive project is set to begin in early September following Holland village council’s award of the bid.
At the August 20 meeting, Mayor Ryan Spangler said the village received three bids for the resurfacing project and recommended Helms and Sons Excavating.
The company had the best and lowest bid of $147,530, which includes manhole reconstructions, he said. They also were the only firm to place a bid below the engineer’s estimate of $154,000.
The other two companies, Geddis Paving & Excavating Inc. and the Shelly Company, had bids of $186,945 and $168,893, respectively.
“I have no problem approving them,” said Councilman Mike Bettinger. “Helms and Sons did an excellent job on McCord Road.”
Library Expansion
Council reviewed a revised plan for the expansion of the Holland branch library.
Councilman Bettinger worked with library officials to see if a better design could be developed that did not entail taking park space to the north of the building at Strawberry Acres Lodge.
The new design, above, places the 6,850-square-foot addition on the west side of the building (shown in yellow) behind the current structure which faces McCord Road.
The mayor expressed his approval of the design, but believes the village should get something for the Strawberry Acres park acreage behind the library that will be needed for additional parking spaces.
“I feel we should get something, certainly for tree replacement,” he said.
Administrator Bob Bethel said there are a number of large cottonwood trees, estimating 15 to 20, and believes the cost to replace those should be considered by the library.
On a positive note, he pointed out that the design will not result in “losing any parking lot space at the lodge.”
The administrator commended Bettinger for his work on the plans. “This is a much better option,” he said.
Other Business
In other business, council:
•Approved a conditional use permit for 6826 Village Meadows Trail. The developer plans to construct a metal community recreation facility. The multi-purpose building will be equipped for different sports including basketball, pickleball and tennis and will adhere to operating hours of 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
•Continued to discuss the fire and EMS contract with Springfield Township. Due to increases in cost, the township would like the village to pay more than what they agreed to by contract. The contract runs through 2035, and village officials are considering a gradual increase.
“I’d like to see us ramp it up gradually so we don’t get hit with sticker shock in 10 years,” Councilman Scott Brown said.
•Extended by six months the moratorium on new establishments to cultivate, process or distribute adult use cannabis.
•Approved the purchase of an HVAC rooftop unit at a cost of $11,203.
•Amended an ordinance regarding exceptions to the possession, sale and discharge of fireworks. There were a few clerical errors that needed corrected, administrator Bethel explained.
•Authorized the purchase of a medium duty anti-ice system from Kalida Truck at a cost of $16,500. The brine would be applied to village roads as needed during the winter.
The mayor noted the village has a 100 percent reimbursable grant to cover the cost.
•Heard from Police Chief Jim Piotrowski that the department unveiled the new police vehicle at the Wicked Wheels car show earlier in August, but they are still waiting on parts to outfit it so the vehicle is not yet in service.
The chief also said he called a meeting of other area police departments to discuss issues affecting the departments and ways, as a group working together, they may have a greater voice.
He said they discussed the potential of pooling resources for training purposes.
See
•Appointed Councilman Nate Gaubert president pro tem in the event of an emergency during the week of August 24 to 31 when both the mayor and council president are on vacation.
•Paid bills totaling $129,620.
•Heard from the mayor that Metroparks Toledo planned presentation was rescheduled for September 17.
Village council’s next meeting will be at 6 p.m., Tuesday, September 3, in council chambers, 1245 Clarion Avenue, and is open to the public.
