The Blair City Council rejected two bids for asphalt resurfacing projects at the recommendation of Public Works Director Al Schoemaker during its meeting May 25.
The city budgeted $200,000 for the work. However, due to rising petroleum prices, the bids came in over budget.
Western Engineering submitted a bid for $262,275, while Omni Engineering submitted a bid of $321,583.
“At this time, I could not in good conscience recommend to the Blair City Council to move forward with this project at these kinds of prices,” Schoemaker said. “I just don't think we're getting good value for the money being spent here.”
Schoemaker said the project could be rolled over to this fall or next spring and try to rebid when commodity prices stabilize.
Council member Chris Jensen questioned if there were any streets that would need serious attention.
“I think we're probably going to be OK for a while,” Schoemaker said.
The city council approved a construction engineering agreement with Burns and McDonnell for the new water intake structure.
The cost of the work will be $114,496.
Junior Girl Scouts Troop 50527 will host a Paws in the Park event in Lions Park.
The girls presented their proposal to the city council to receive approval for use of the park.
The event will be open to the public from 6-8 p.m. June 30 and include organizations such as the Jeanette Hunt Animal Shelter, Taysia Blue foster dogs and comfort dogs. There will also be a play space for dogs, raffles, bake sale and an animal toy and snack creation station.
The event, which will help the girls earn their Bronze Award, is intended to increase awareness about the different organizations that support dogs in the community.
“Good luck on that Bronze Award,” council member Mindy Rump told the girls.
Blair City Council meetings will return to city hall starting with the June 22 meeting.
The meetings had previously been held at the Blair Public Library and Technology Center due to COVID-19 precautions.
City Administrator Rod Storm said the June 1 Blair Planning Commission meeting and June 8 city council meeting will remain at the library as both have been advertised.
