Tonganoxie council approves $165,000+ contract to resurface city water tower

The Tonganoxie City Council on March 17 approved a contract with Maguire Iron Inc. to resurface the city—water tower and recommended adding interior painting after an inspection.

Public works staff briefed the council that three bids were received and that the lowest bid was "a little over a 165,000, and that is the recommendation to move forward." The project was originally budgeted at $100,000 for exterior work only; adding interior work raised the low bid to about $165,000. Staff recommended using the city—water operations fund and water capital funds for the additional cost.

The city staff said the additional expense will not reduce the utility fund below the council——established 30% fund-balance target. "We're probably around 1,100,000.0 for fund balance now. We project to be at about 730,000 ish, towards the year end," the staff presentation said.

Council Member Partridge moved to approve Resolution 032502 authorizing execution of the water tower resurfacing contract with Maguire Iron Inc.; Council Member Dale seconded the motion. The motion carried on a voice vote.

Staff noted an addendum to the RFP shows the new city logo and corrected font that will be painted on the tower; the logo will be oriented east to west. The contractor will perform both exterior resurfacing and the recommended interior coating while the tank is taken out of service to prevent condensation during work.

The city described the work as necessary maintenance to preserve the tower and avoid more extensive repairs later. No changes to the budget ordinance were proposed at the meeting; staff said it expects to absorb the cost in the current water operations budget but would return if midyear adjustments become necessary.

The council did not request further study before approving the contract and directed staff to proceed with the project.