Published: March 05, 2008 08:31 am      

Berea council now accepting new park bids

BEREA — The Berea City Council voted Tuesday to accept bids for three park construction projects, totaling approximately $2.2 million.

Charles DeWeese Construction, of Franklin, Ky., won the bid for site work development for $851,332, Sensabaugh Design and Construction was selected for the design of the concession stands at Berea City Park for $643,690 and D&B Electric and Communications was chosen to do the electrical and lighting work for $613,140. Both Sensabaugh and D&B are Berea contractors.

In related news, the council voted to reject five bond bids from local banks that would have facilitated $1.1 million in financing for development of the Berea Industrial Park. Work for the industrial park project included the construction of sewer lines and a road to access the park.

Finance Committee Chair Glenn Jennings said after conferring with bond consultant Chris Bowling during a work session Tuesday, committee members opted to combine financing for both the industrial and recreational parks.

“It was the consensus tonight that we should reject the bank proposals and instead package them together for $3.3 million,” Jennings said. “We're looking at 10-year bonds. We think that makes sense and fits in fairly well with our other plans.”

Under the arrangement sought by the city, Berea will pay approximately $500,000 or more in annual payments, enabling the city to pay off the projects in a shorter amount of time. That, according to Jennings, would have been virtually impossible without the revenues generated from the insurance premium and property taxes raised by the council last year.

“We're trying to operate wisely,” Jennings said. “We think this makes a lot of sense – long term – for the city.”

During the work session Tuesday afternoon, the council also reviewed the mid-year budget, though Jennings said there were only minor adjustments to the 2007-2008 budget.

In other business, the council:

· Approved the City of Berea Strategic Plan, which includes goals such as evaluating the feasibility of using the Parker Seal building as an events or community center, continuing the development of new industrial park properties, and evaluating and considering the possible acquisition of the Parker Seal building, Churchill property, Poke Boat Building, or Berea golf course.

· Passed an ordinance donating a 1995 Ford Crown Victoria from the Berea Police Department to the Madison County Sheriff Department.

· Mayor Steve Connelly proclaimed March 2008 American Red Cross Month.

· Connelly also introduced a proclamation declaring March Children's Champions of Madison County month.

· In his report to the city council, City Administrator Randy Stone said the city had to adopt a policy in which roads not accepted into the city street system could be salted during severe winter weather, but the city would not do snow removal. Stone said streets not officially in the city system are often without the final layer of asphalt, and thus more susceptible to damage inflicted by snow removal equipment.

· Stone noted the widening of Mayde Road will begin in April.

· Met in closed session to discuss the hiring of a parks and recreation director. No action was taken, officials said.

· Connelly said an announcement would be forthcoming soon concerning a proposal to use the Churchill Weavers property for a craft school/incubator, and/or as a facility for outreach to local high school students.

· Berea Utilities Director Donald Blackburn said the department is continuing discussions with state authorities concerning the possible construction of a new reservoir. In addition, Blackburn said the city is working on a proposal that would enable customers to pay their utility bills with a credit card.