Saturday's Internet Edition, May 17, 2008.
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Randall Davis |
The Council met on Wednesday, March 16. During the meeting, Police Chief Randall Davis gave a presentation on purchasing a new portable building for the Police Department. William Langehennig moved to table the discussion until the Council could get input from the taxpayers; however, his motion died from lack of second.
Judy Skolaut then moved to allow the Mayor to check with both local banks as to securing financing arrangements for $30,000. Her motion included requesting Chief Davis to work up a final plan for the new portable building, bringing it back before the Council at a later date. Robert Poston seconded Skolaut’s motion and all voted in favor except Council member Langehennig.
During Chief Davis’s presentation, he passed out plans for a Morgan Building that measures 16 feet by 44 feet. The Prospect Worksheet showed “Stage One” having finished interior walls, framed-in only and costing approximately $20,940. The worksheet also had a “Stage Two” which showed the building finished out completely with air conditioning and restrooms. The total cost would be $32,443.
Mayor Robert Willrich, Sr. said, “Anything over $25,000 must be put out for bids.” Since this is presented in two stages, it is unclear as to whether or not this project would have to be let for bids.
After the meeting, Council member Langehennig said, “No money has been budgeted to fund this project. No bidding has been done for lowest cost of this project. There has been no real discussion on this project and no chance for Public Input! Please don’t be misled into believing this is an emergency issue that has to be addressed right now! Need for a larger work area for the Police Department is understandable; however, the urgency and the way this is being pursued are all wrong! This isn’t the last “emergency issue” coming up soon that can cost the taxpayers.”
Mayor Willrich said last week, “The portable building will be placed on the Square on the City’s lot north of the Woodson Community Building.” The City owns the lot, having paid $25,000 for it a few years ago.
Lexington’s Police Department has been operating out of one room in the City Hall Building for a number of years. There are currently four police officers who work for the City of Lexington.
The current City Council has 40 days left in office to accomplish whatever else they have on their agenda, as the newly elected City Council will take office in May.