Still no progress on reroofing Royal city buildings

Dissatisfied with bids submitted for two roofing projects, the Royal City Council directed that contractors resubmit proposals on bid sheets provided by the city.

The council on Nov. 13 reviewed bids to replace metal roofs on the community building and city maintenance building. Both were damaged in a hail storm on May 20.

According to discussion, contractors were told what roofing materials should be used for both buildings and how the city shed roof should be insulated. Bids that were submitted for both projects, however, differed in terms of materials that contractors proposed to use.

"Even though we asked everyone to be apples-to-apples, no one is," said Maintenance Superintendent Sherman Nielsen.

"Not one of these five are," responded Mayor Josh Toft.

Differences in materials also affected bid totals. One proposal called for replacing the community building roof with the same type of metal, which the city wants. Another contractor based his proposal on a different type of metal that is more expensive and involves additional labor.

Bids for the city shed roof also did not match. Nielsen said the city wants the existing blanket insulation and roofing material removed, with insulation sprayed on the bottom side of the new metal. One contractor, however, proposed another type of insulation system that would be much more expensive.

"It's a whole different beast. That's why it's so much different," Toft noted.

Council members agreed the city should develop a bid sheet and also specify that any bids not meeting the specifications will not be accepted.

A portion of the roofing costs will be covered by insurance. The city's deductible is based on 2 percent of the estimated value of each building. City Clerk Jill Hickey said the insurance company will determine the amount it will pay and reimburse the city.

• Nuisance survey, other business

Another survey will be made to identify properties in violation of the nuisance ordinance. Council Member Mitch Fahnlander asked that the city attorney be contacted to clarify what the city can do to enforce cleanup of properties.

The council approved renewal of the health insurance plan provided for Nielsen. The premium cost will increase 8.4 percent. Changing deductibles would significantly increase Nielsen's out-of-pocket costs but would only save the city $50 per month.

"Doubling the deductible and saving 50 bucks is not acceptable," said Council Member Jeff Van Westen.

An updated maintenance agreement with Clay County Secondary Roads was approved. The agreement had been renewed on an annual basis; however, Engineer Cole Budach asked that it be extended to three years.

Toft reported that eight applications were received for the Hometown Pride community coach position. As a participant in the program, Royal can utilize that person's services.

Fill dirt is to be placed along the new sidewalks in Memorial Park, and a concrete slab will be poured across the front of the lift station. Nov. 15 was the target date for delivery of the lift station generator.

Hickey reported that the process of finalizing the sale of the 101 Long Street property was nearing completion.