Willard approves slide repair, roof coating and Jackson Street contractor; projects tied to prior budgets and reimbursements

The Board of Aldermen approved several infrastructure contracts and heard status updates on ongoing public-works projects.

Aquatic center: Staff recommended repairs to a cracked fiberglass section at the top of the blue slide and sealing the slide flume to protect the interior surface. SafeSlide Restoration provided a proposal with options; staff identified the fiberglass repair and interior sealing as critical and described exterior painting as cosmetic. The board moved to proceed on the recommended option and voted to authorize the work.

Recreation center roof: Staff described a recurring roof-leak problem that damaged the gym floor and explained prior budgeting for maintenance. After soliciting sealed bids, Alliance Roofing submitted the low bid for a silicone membrane coating system (5-year warranty); Redeemed Roofing also submitted a similar bid. Staff said the coating would pressure-wash the roof, repair fasteners and seams, and apply a two-part system to seal penetrations. The board approved moving forward with the coating to prevent further damage and potential larger repair costs.

Jackson Street: The board accepted a bid from Blevins Asphalt Construction of Mount Vernon, Missouri, for the Jackson Street project. Staff said the bid was responsive and that the project is subject to 80% reimbursement; the board accepted the contract so mobilization could begin and hoped work would complete before winter weather slowed progress.

Votes to authorize the aquatic slide repair, roof coating and Jackson Street contract were taken; one board member recorded an abstention during the roofing vote. Staff emphasized that the slide repair and roof coating were intended to protect assets and avoid more costly repairs later.