Kahoka Council Awards Cemetery Mowing Contract
Kahoka Council Awards Cemetery Mowing Contract
By Mike Scott
It may not sound important, but the Kahoka Board of Aldermen took up what turned into a major headache last year, choosing a contractor to mow the Kahoka Cemetery, during their Monday night, February 9 meeting.
Last year, the board awarded the contract to the only valid bidder, only to be disappointed throughout the year. This year four bids were received, ranging from $20,000 to $38,000.
On the recommendation of the Cemetery Board, the council awarded the contract to the low bidder, Michael Kauth of Kahoka.
The board also reviewed bids from four suppliers of materials for the waterline replacement project, which is going into its fourth year of the seven-year first phase. Water and Sewer Supply of Columbia was the low bidder for the pipes and materials, in the amount of $40,441.16. The council unanimously approved the bid award.
Property owners along this year’s waterline replacement will be contacted by the city this month.
The board also approved a bidder for the demolition of several structures, funded largely by a Community Development Block Grant.
“Seven or eight contractors took the pre-bid tour,” said City Assistant Jim Sherwood. Five formal bids were received ranging from $37,375 to over $100,000 for the demolition of nine structures. The board accepted the low bid from Campbell Trucking.
When complete, it will bring to forty the number of run-down structures demolished in Kahoka.
As time grows short to complete the tree trimming project, funded by grant money, the city found out that the contractor is unable to continue due to health issues. They contacted the next low bidder, who assigned the work to Jim Bash, who will remove the trees before the deadline.
The board also considered estimates for several items:
–Replacement shed at Wayland Water Plant. The old one was destroyed in a storm last fall. The board will continue to seek bids.
–Extra pump for lift station at High School. The board decided not to spend $3300 to have a pump sit on the shelf.
–Looked at estimates for a new truck for the Electric Department. They would like service to be available locally.
–Street Salt. The board decided not to purchase a truckload of street salt at this time.
The board approved the Show Me Green Sales Tax Exemption Holiday for the week of April 19-25. People can purchase energy-star certified appliances, including washers, dryers, and other appliances up to $1500, and be exempt from state and local sales taxes on the purchase. The ordinance approving the tax holiday passed unanimously on three readings.
The City received a Water Report from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
“It’s generally a good report,” said Mayor Pro-Tem Jerry Webber, noting that the city received praise for the management of its waterline replacement project in the report comments.
The are 13 items that the city needs to address and respond to DNR within 60 days.
In other business, the board:
–Approved the purchase of a generator for the fire department in the amount of $3350 plus needed accessories.
–Announced locks have been changed at the city’s dump due to misuse. The dump is open only to Kahoka residents to dispose of brush and yard waste items.
–Agreed to assist the Wellness Coalition in building a walking trail at Black Hawk Elementary.
–Approved advertising for a pool manager and employees.
–Discussed shade structure grant for the pool.
–Police Chief Bill Conger reported three nuisance letters have been sent, and residents will have 30 days to comply.
