The St. James Fire Protection District awarded a rock bid for its future fire station in town and discussed construction updates for the station and its future south station at its meeting July 20.
Board President John Smallwood explained the board collected bids for the excavation and site preparation for the new fire station site on Highway 68 and Matlock on June 21.
Velmer Hancock and Kerry Feeler, both of St. James, were awarded the low bid of $7,450.
Other bids included: Donny Holt at $28,885, Reliable Excavating at $12,850 and Lynch & Sons Plumbing at $13,500. Two other contractors attended the bid meeting, but didn't submit bids. Contractors included Tracy Hughes and PJ Meyers.
The project includes removing topsoil and grading the site. The topsoil and clay includes approximately 4,800 yards of material, Smallwood said.
After the site has been prepared, the building dimensions can be staked.
The board noted the City of St. James had removed a water line on the site and was granted a 10 foot easement on the west side.
The board heard design qualifications from Corky Stack and Gary Roberts.
Stack represented Stack & Associates of St. James and gave examples of recent work from the team of engineers.
Roberts is employed by the federal government as an engineer at Fort Leonard Wood. He explained his engineering and architectural work experience.
Both gave examples of fire station projects.
Smallwood explained the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) grant might not be attainable for financing the construction of the district's new fire station in town and south of town.
“Due to the cost of the architectural and engineering fees which were required by USDA, the grant may not be achievable,” Smallwood said.
The board approved bills for payment and financial statements. The board also agreed to examine copier prices.
Board Treasurer Reta Wehmeier noted the district has $232,000 remaining and CDs will become due in August.
In old business, the board discussed drawing plans for the south station. The plans, designed by j. rogers architecture, would need to be revised Smallwood said.
Smallwood explained the plans for the underground water tank were 9,000 short of what was needed and would be revised. After plans are finalized, bids for the concrete pad, tank and walls can be requested.
In new business, the board discussed rock bids for the station in town.
The board requested three bids and received two. Melrose Asphalt and Paving in Rolla did not return a bid.
