Bids sought for boiler at elementary school

By Ben Rodgers

A committee recently learned that the deadline for bids for upcoming projects was extended.

The Buildings and Grounds Committee learned that bids were extended to Sept. 6, at its Tuesday, Aug. 29 meeting.

The district is currently accepting bids on a new boiler and water heater at the elementary school.

Tweet Garot and Best Mechanical visited the district the week of Aug. 20 for the projects and Master Electric also visited to look at the electric aspect of the job.

“As far as I know those are the only contractors that have shown an interest in the projects at this point that have taken a tour,” said Dr. Melanie Oppor, district administrator.

Oppor said the new boilers will be much smaller. Tweet Garot also discussed bringing the motors down from the ceiling for easier repair access in the future.

Because the bid deadline was extended the accepting of bids will likely fall onto the Finance Committee on Tuesday, Sept. 12.

The Manawa Department of Public Works also visited for a routine inspection and found areas where there could potentially be contamination of city well water with the boiler and water heater.

However, the new boiler system would have back flow preventers integrated, which would fix the problem.

Oppor also discussed some repairs needed in the high school kitchen.

The garbage disposal is not working properly, the three compartment sinks either needs to be routed out or have the grease traps cleaned, a pot holding well on the food line is not functioning properly, the motor in the vent for the ceiling fan is not pulling exhaust from the room and the hot water heater for the dishwasher is not working.

The committee also heard an update on 407 S. Bridge St.

The building is owned by Manawa Lodge 82, the local chapter of Free and Accepted Masons.

The district would lease it to serve as a home for the Practical Assessment Exploration System, a new program for students with a variety a disabilities that affect learning.

The building requires some work to be completed so it would be acceptable for the program.

“They started a little bit of the bathroom, taking the floor out of the area right in front of the bathroom door,” said Danni Brauer, director of special education and curriculum. “They’re looking for someone to do the asbestos removal for the bathroom so they can start the construction.”

Brauer said the district has already moved roughly 30 boxes for the program to the building, as space is limited in district owned buildings.

The next step is to have the district draw up a lease to have the Manawa Lodge review.

According to Oppor the group is looking for $600 a month for the space.