The Van Buren Street sign is faded, making it difficult to see.

LEESBURG —  Sealed bids for renovations to the Leesburg town hall building were opened at the Leesburg Town Council meeting held Monday, Aug. 13. 

Base rate bids were received from Millstone Construction, Leesburg, in the amount of $143,400; Clint Davis Construction, Leesburg, for $227,796.07; DT Construction, Silver Lake, in the amount of $103,629; Robinson Construction, Warsaw, for $144,847; and Roche Select, Warsaw, in the amount of $119,217. 

“There will be no bids awarded this evening due to the wide variety of the bids,” said Council President Tom Moore. “Our local architect, Tyler Haines, will be reviewing the bids and recommending the best bidder.” 

Council members agreed to select a bidder at the September meeting.

At last month’s meeting, Derek Tenney of Tenney & Sons, Warsaw, informed council members of issues with sewer lines at two properties in Leesburg. One resident was having a garage built, and the other was putting in a new well. Tenney advised the lines were cut due to USIC Locating Services, Warsaw, not locating and marking the lines.

“As part of the discussion, is it time to consider severing that agreement and just doing it ourselves?” Moore questioned. 

“I do not feel that the town should accept responsibility for doing the locates,” said Leesburg Street Commissioner Craig Charlton. “I think in most cases you’re better off having a third party do this.”

The wording in the current contract was described as vague. Council members discussed making changes to the contract, adding clarity to what is expected from USIC.

“If we provide a written description of what we want traced as far as their service to us, that would probably make our problems go away and provide documentation,” said Charlton.

“They need to respond in writing that they will comply with that,” said Moore. “If they say yes, then there’s no issue. If their written response coming back to us says they will not do that, then it makes it pretty clear.” Charlton offered to put together a written description to address the issue. 

Charlton informed council members at the July meeting that the Prairie Street storage building is in need of a new roof, as the current one is over 25 years old. Charlton obtained estimates from Pro Time Metal Roofing and Millwood Construction, both located in Leesburg. Council members agreed that both are reputable companies. It was eventually decided to award the contract to the lowest bidder, Pro Time Metal Roofing. 

Moore inquired how the other council members felt about reducing the sewer rate for Stacy’s Restaurant in Leesuburg to 1 ADU while the restaurant is under construction.

“Due to the fire, obviously he will not be allowed to be open as a restaurant until the renovations are complete,” said Moore. “During that period of time, it may be a bit unfair to keep his sewer rate at the same level.”

Council members agreed to reduce the sewer rate for Stacy’s Restaurant during construction and to resume the rate once the restaurant reopens.

Other News:

• Council members approved vacating an alley, per request by Leesburg residents Larry Rose, Michael Van Osdol and Bill Poe, who own property on East Van Buren Street.
• It was brought to the attention of council members that the Van Buren street sign on SR 15 is faded, making it difficult to read. Charlton will address this issue.
• The next regular meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 10. 
  

  Leesburg Clerk-Treasurer Mike Searfoss

Council Member Christina Archer