GREEN: Contracts totaling $725,000 were approved for seven outside engineering firms to assist the city on project planning, if needed in 2013.
Council took the action Tuesday during its meeting to aid the city’s small Engineering Department to avoid project backup due to lack of time and bodies.
David Hart’s Municipal Services Group was granted $325,000, while Thrasher Engineering, Hammontree & Associates, Quicksall & Associates and Mosyjowski & Associates each were approved for up to $75,000 for general engineering.
TMS Engineers was granted $75,000 for general traffic services, while Summit Testing could receive up to $25,000 for general engineering.
Council President David France said hiring more in-house staff rather than hiring these outside firms when needed to prevent project rollovers isn’t appropriate.
Council also approved the $600,000 sale of the Belden Lodge and just under nine acres now part of Southgate Park to chef Kent Welsh and Fred Tuttle of The Table for Life LLC.
The group plans to transform the lodge into a gourmet restaurant and winery, with some of the products used in cooking and making wine grown on the acreage.
The owners plan to invest $600,000 to $1 million in renovations and upgrades, and hope to open the facilities this spring.
