Hangar Bids Well Over Engineer’s Estimate

Sheldon, Iowa — When the bids were opened for the Sheldon Airport Hangar project, Airport Commission members were surprised to learn that the lowest of the three bids was much higher than expected. 

McClure Engineering had estimated that the project which involves damage done by tornadic winds in July, would cost about $372,000.  However, the lowest bid, submitted by L & L Builders of Sioux City, was for $479,000, which is more than one hundred thousand dollars higher than the Engineer’s Estimate.  The highest bid submitted by Jensen Builders Ltd was for $522,000.  Most of the additional bids for insulation, wall paneling and roof drainage were also higher than the engineer’s estimates. The City has $420,000 available from the insurance company, which doesn’t come close to covering the lowest bid on the project.  The Airport Commission rejected all bids and the City Council agreed.  After the Commission discusses the problem with the engineering firm they will ask for bids again, hoping to have the work done before winter.  In the meantime, owners of the planes who used this hangar are either sharing space with other owners, or have found space elsewhere.

After the regular agenda items, Brad Hindt expressed concerns about the need for crosswalk signs to be placed at the intersection of Washington Avenue and 6^th Street.  Since this requires council action, it will be on the agenda for their next meeting.  Motorists are asked to be cautious at this intersection when children are present because there is no specific place for children to cross this busy street.

For the last agenda item of Wednesday’s meeting the council met in closed session to discuss the purchase of property.  No action was taken after the closed session.

The next council meeting will be Thursday morning January 27^th at 6 a.m.  for a Budget Session.