×

Bid awarded for park road repair

EAST LIVERPOOL — The Thompson Park Board learned during its meeting Thursday that a bid had been awarded for repaving a road leading to one of its pavilions.

Planning Director Bill Cowan reported that the Board of Control had awarded the bid earlier that day to Lash Paving Company of St. Clairsville, which bid $78,925.

According to Cowan, the bid was $200 over his estimate for the paving, but still within acceptable range, with the next lowest bid about $82,000, although he did not offer the name of that bidder.

The paving project will be paid with funds from a levy approved by voters, and Auditor Marilyn Bosco, who serves as the board secretary, said this project leaves a balance of $43,256 in the fund, with the second half collection still expected for the year.

Board member Art Doak said, once the contract is awarded, the company has 60 days in which to complete the paving project.

Superintendent Shawn Rybaczenko reported he had received a “good deal” from local dealership Tri-State Ford for a 2015 Ford F350 truck, which includes a plow and the aluminum bed he prefers.

Other estimates were for $50,000 for a 2017 from a Columbiana dealership for a truck with a steel bed and $53,900 from a Salem dealership for a 2017.

At a question from Bosco whether the bidding process should have taken place, rather than just seeking estimates, Cowan said advertising, with specifications outlined, is required for any purchase over $50,000 unless a public entity is participating in the government procurement program.

He recommended speaking with the law director about the matter, but Law Director Charles Payne referred the superintendent to Service-Safety Director Brian Allen.

Board President Betsy Wells also noted that repaving the park road takes priority over purchase of a truck.

Wells informed the board that she had granted permission to employee Dave Quarterman to hire extra help for the park, to be paid the same amount as part-time help was paid last year.

She said the salary will be paid from the charitable fund.

In regard to Rybaczenko’s query where he should deposit donations being made for a proposed gazebo, Wells advised him to place those in the charitable fund, saying, “Let them hold it and we’ll have to keep track of how much it is.”

Wells also reported the East Liverpool Dahlia Society, which has disbanded, purchased two benches for the park at a value of $941.65.

The next meeting will be at 4 p.m. April 26 in council chambers.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.39/week.

Subscribe Today