LAHARPE LaHarpe has spent roughly $16,000 on repairs to the air-conditioning and heating units at City Hall once the city took possession of the old LaHarpe Elementary School building about eight years ago.
The HVAC units are in need of replacement, City Clerk Michelle Altis said.
But the mystery for LaHarpe City Council members, was why the city could receive such a wide disparity from a pair of Iola vendors seeking to replace the units.
Council members discussed the competing bids delivered earlier this month to the city, the first from Ace Refrigeration for more than $18,000; the second from Dales Sheet Metal for about $78,000.
Are we comparing apples to apples? Councilman David Lee asked.
The Council asked Altis to investigate the bids further to determine the discrepancy.
Meanwhile, the Council is one step closer to opening the new fitness room at City Hall.
Council members answered a number of questions regarding rules of usage from City Attorney Fred Works, such as:
Is the center open to residents outside LaHarpe? (Yes.)
Are guests allowed? (Yes, but each guest must sign a waiver and sign in every time they use the facility.)
Can youngsters enter the facility? (Anybody under 14 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.)
Is there a newsletter or other means for announcements, such as closings? (There soon will be.)
How will billing be handled? (Altis will be in responsible for billing and distributing key fobs to access the building; utility customers will simply have the $10 monthly fee added to their bills; others will likely be billed separately with a couple extra dollars for postage and other expenses.)
Can members give their key fobs to someone else to allow them to use the center? (No.)
Council members also agreed to have cleaning wipes in place for users to wipe down the equipment to keep it clean.
With those questions answered, the Council is expected to give final approval to the terms of usage at a special meeting at 6 p.m. Monday to allow residents to begin signing contracts and getting their key fobs.
TWO MORE dilapidated houses were discussed.
Council members accepted a bid from Rays Metal Depot to tear down a structure at 804 S. Broadway St. at a cost of $135 an hour, and a total cost not to exceed $950. Ray Maloney asked the city to ensure law enforcement will be on site as demolition commences.
Meanwhile, council members condemned a house at 1012 S. Washington St. after nobody showed up at a hearing to discuss the crumbling home.
