Supervisors approve bid for storage unit

MARENGO — The Iowa County Engineer's Office wants a storage unit to hold seed which is currently being stored at the old Capper Ford building in Marengo. The Ford building is damp and is ruining the seed, County Engineer Nick Amelon told Iowa County Supervisors during their Aug. 11 meeting.

Amelon asked for bids to turn a building where the county stores chemicals into a storage unit. Two bids were submitted for a mini-split, a ductless heating and cooling system.

The first bid, from S&S Plumbing in Marengo, was for $5,423, installed. Amelon said that the business owner, Travis Schlabach, recommended adding a dehumidifier, which would bring the total up to $7,930.

The second bidder, Superior Sheet Metal, of Marengo, gave a quote of $5,850, which was also for an installed mini-split. Because S&S was the lowest bid for the mini-split, the supervisors approved that bid.

Amelon said he would check to see whether or not the chemicals can stay in the building.

Amelon also sought bids for insulation; 5 Star submitted a bid of $3,992. A second company didn’t submit a requested bid.

The cost would be about the same for the county to install the insulation itself, Amelon said, but he doesn’t have the suits or necessary tools to do the job.

The board approved the 5 Star bid.

Bridge work

Work on Wolf Man's Bridge is being pushed back at least to next spring and possibly one or two years, said Amelon. The bridge is a pony truss bridge that is more than 50 years old, so it requires an historical evaluation.

Amelon said he is still hoping for a Spring 2024 letting.

Other action

The Title VI Non-Discrimination agreement was moved to next week. Supervisor Abby Maas suggested the supervisors ask Assistant Attorney Lou McMeen to look it over first.

Supervisors approved two letters of support for grant applications. The first was for the Amana Fire Department for a utility task vehicle for grass fire control. The second was for Wellman Cooperative to expand its broadband into the southern part of Iowa County.

The Safe Haven contract, which is renewed every year, was also postponed until the board receives the updated contract.

A public hearing for a fiscal year 2023-24 budget amendment is set for Sept. 8, at 10:15 a.m.