City to accept bids for water building renovation

Madison City Commissioners have voted to advertise for bids for the renovation of the city’s water building located along Highland Avenue in Madison.  During their meeting Tuesday, commissioners discussed the project, which according to the bid advertisement, includes concrete demolition and pouring, insulation installation, liner panel install and door replacement, both walk-in and garage type.  Utilities Director Brad Lawrence and Finance Officer Jennifer Eimers said the money for the renovation of the building is included in the city’s 2020 budget, and estimated what is being bid to cost around 100-thousand dollars. Commissioners voted 3-to-2 to advertise for bids and set the bid date for February 5th, with Commissioner Bob Thill and Mayor Marshall Dennert voting against it. 

Thill told commissioners that he isn’t against renovating the building, but doesn’t think it is good timing for the project. 

Utilities Commissioner Jeremiah Corbin said that the city won’t want to use utility funds for some of the general fund expenses that Thill mentioned, so he said the city will be okay if it goes ahead with the renovation of the building for the city’s water distribution and wastewater collection employees.

Mayor Dennert also mentioned the variables the city faces with it’s proposed Rural Development project as his reason for wanting to wait with the renovation project.

Dennert also questioned the need for a break room within the building.  Utilities Director Lawrence said the employees need the space for more than just that.

Commissioner Mike Waldner said that the city needs to provide good working facilities for its employees in order to retain them and help them to do their jobs.