Bismarck awards bid for lagoon project

BISMARCK — The Bismarck Board of Aldermen awarded a bid to Tom Buffington for the lagoon project during its meeting on Thursday night. Buffington’s bid was for $3,600 plus hauling. Mayor Dennis Mayberry said the bid includes putting rock on the berm at the lagoon and installing a fence around it. He said there may be some additional expenses depending on how many loads of rock are required.

The board tabled taking action on a letter from Layne-Western regarding the replacement of pipe at Well No. 1.

“We are getting a quote from another company so we can compare figures,” Mayberry said.

The board also received a follow-up on a request to vacate a portion of city property.

“Alan (Williams) is meeting with Preferred Land Title today (Friday) to go over the paperwork that is involved,” Mayberry said.

The board also listened to an update on the Bismarck Depot Renovation Project. Mayberry said plans have been submitted to the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), but an approval has not been given yet.

Once approval is given, the project will be put out for bids. MoDOT has awarded a $145,125 grant through the Transportation Enhancement Program to pay for the renovations. Under the grant guidelines, Bismarck had to contribute $40,000 and the Depot Committee had to contribute $10,000 to the grant it received from the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The total amount for the grant with the local contribution is $195,125.

The project incorporates sidewalk renovation on East Main Street to allow handicap accessibility for pedestrian and cyclist traffic. The major portion of the project will consist of the renovation of the old depot to provide adequate facilities for train passengers who stop in Bismarck for excursions. The building will also serve as a community meeting place.

Mayberry signed a proclamation that designates Sept. 18 as POW/MIA Recognition Day in Bismarck. The board also approved a request to have a hay ride to benefit Relay For Life.

In closed session the board hired Brandon House as a part-time police officer.

Chris Cline is a reporter for the Daily Journal. Contact him at 573-431-2010, ext. 114 or at ccline@dailyjournalonline.com.