Lincolnville aims for July 14 finish on community building project years ago
When a $181,664 Kan-Step grant was awarded in July 2003 for construction of a new community building, the City of Lincolnville was given two years to complete the project. It expects to meet that completion date.
At a special meeting of Lincolnville City Council Thursday, "sparkplugs" Dave Schneider and Jane Pigorsch reported on the status of the project.
Steady progress is being made, and finishing details are expected to be completed by July 14.
Schneider reported that most of the electrical work is done. Several lights, breaker box doors, and a floor plug-in need to be installed. Several wall outlets and switch plates need to be changed out and the kitchen range needs to be hooked up.
The plumbing system needs to be connected to the sewer line, sinks and stools installed in bathrooms, and the kitchen sink installed.
Flooring is completed in the women's bathroom. The main floor and kitchen need to be tiled, and linoleum laid in men's bathroom.
March 1 was set as the target date for completion of the above projects.
The council discussed city finances, noting high heating bills. December bills came in at $309.15 for the community building, $147.97 for city hall, and $197.36 at the city shop.
Council members and residents in attendance suggested ways to reduce utility costs.
City employee Steve Podzsus was instructed to turn the heat off in the shop and put insulation on water pipes, using a high-wattage bulb to keep them from freezing.
Pigorsch said she will keep the thermostat low in city hall. She uses a small electric heater at her desk.
The thermostat at the community building has been lowered and will be raised only when necessary by workmen.
Councilman Greg Hubbard expressed concern about how the city will pay community building utility bills in the future.
"It will be a drain on this town forever," he said.
"The old building was operating in the red," councilman Scott Gutsch said. "The new building will be used more, but it will cost the city."
Spending for the community building this year is set in the city budget at $1,000.
Treasurer Clay Simons noted line item amounts can be shifted from one item to another.
"The total budget figure is all that's important," he said. "With a budget this tight, something's going to get overspent somewhere. It will be a tough row to hoe, and we'll get through it the best way we can."
Several actions were taken to further reduce costs relating to the community building.
Pigorsch was instructed to seek bids on the job trailer as it isn't needed anymore.
Two 400-watt floodlights will be removed from the community building.
Electric lines to the park restrooms from the community building will be redirected to the light pole at the tennis court.
Pigorsch said the action will allow the community building to have a separate meter and permit use of grant money to cover electricity costs until the building is finished.
The council voted to appoint Alex Case of Case and Son Insurance, Marion, as the city's insurance agent, effective April 1. The city will retain the current underwriter.
