Sublette considering new maintenance building

Mary Mays
Posted 7/12/17

The Village of Sublette Board met on July 10 to discuss several topics.

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Sublette considering new maintenance building

Posted

SUBLETTE – The Village of Sublette Board met on July 10 with all members present except Scott Hanson. The meeting began at 7 p.m. and the minutes of the previous meeting and Treasurer’s report were approved.

Committee reports included the topic of the repair and/or replacement of the current Maintenance Building. The current building is in bad need of repairs and the cost effectiveness of repairs is in question. A new 40 x 60 steel building with concrete floor and entrance pads is in consideration. Board President Michael Vaessen will request bids for the aforementioned sized building. There is currently sufficient designated funds on hand for the building as described.

A second item was the removal of trees in the park. Older ash trees need to be removed and a bid was received from Do-It-All. The bid was $4,200 for the removal of the eight trees and stumps. The park walking path repairs would be considered following the removal of the trees.

Painting the downtown railings and lampposts and repairing the garbage cans will be priced by Vaessen.

The Streets, Alley and Sidewalk Committee met June 29 and discussed possible road repairs. Several blocks were mentioned as needing repair. No action was taken since a meeting with the engineer has not yet taken place.

The Maintenance and Water report included a reference to radio read meters and the need of one hydrant being replaced and six others needing some repair. The hydrants in need of repair are hard to open or do not open completely. Both of these conditions could hinder firefighters from being able to do their job.

The Economic Development Report by Don Dinges included a request for volunteers to drive the Sublette float at the Mendota Sweet Corn Festival Parade, Amboy Depot Days Parade and the Rock Falls Anniversary Celebration Parade. He also noted that a coffee shop would be opening in the next month or so in the downtown area.

Under old business, a water extension to Zack Henkel’s building just outside the village limit was approved 4-1, with Jerry Leffelman the dissenting vote.

The TEST, Inc. contract was approved unanimously.

Street repair discussions will be tabled until a meeting with the engineer is scheduled.

President Vaessen spoke with two contractors regarding the old Maintenance Building and got a bid of $30,000-$40,000 to demolish and remove the debris. The bid would be $18,000-$20,000 if the concrete slab was left as is. He hopes to have the bids for the new structure by the August meeting.

The Tentative Budget and Appropriations Ordinance was approved unanimously.

Under new business, President Vaessen thanked the board for all their hard work getting the new administration going. He also thanked the maintenance crew for their diligence in keeping the village looking good. Vaessen encouraged village residents to shop in the village as much as possible. “Supporting the businesses in Sublette helps support the village of Sublette,” said Vaessen.

After unanimously approving the payment of the village bills, the meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m.