Gibson City committee moves pool project toward bidding after state permit concerns

The Gibson City Parks & Buildings committee reported on Feb. 3 that it would put the proposed new pool project out for bid after obtaining the necessary state permit, but that actual construction (breaking ground) depends on whether the city can finance the project once final bids are received.

City Clerk Jan Hall, who also served on the New Pool Committee, said the committee had been informed of Department of Health issues with plans that were submitted and that those concerns were discussed with Fehr-Graham Engineers. Engineer Matthew Johnson of Fehr-Graham joined the committee meeting in Champaign; the committee agreed to move forward with soliciting bids after the permit issue is resolved. Hall also noted that moving to bids was approved but that the timing for breaking ground depends on the city's financing position when final bids are known.

Admin Scott Shull told the council that the fund currently has enough money to cover the façade grant approved later in the meeting, but that other projects may need to wait until the new fiscal year beginning May 1. The minutes do not record a separate formal council vote authorizing construction; the report to the council was given as a committee update and the committee's recommendation was to solicit bids once the permit is obtained.

The committee also discussed a proposed change to the time allowed to complete façade projects (suggested six months); City Clerk Hall said she would remind the city attorney about the recommended change. No final action on the permit timeline change was taken at the Feb. 10 council meeting.