Construction is scheduled to begin in July on the restoration of the facades on 13 Main Street buildings. The Jefferson city council on Tuesday awarded a contract for the work to Pinnacle Construction of Glenwood for $741,365.
The project is smaller than first planned. When bids were opened in March, all were higher than expected. Pinnacle was the low bidder. The council directed architect Pete Franks to work with Pinnacle to trim costs to bring the project within the available $1 million.
Jefferson Matters: Main Street program director Peg Raney explained that three businesses “relinquished their participation to allow a viable project.” The store fronts of The Printer’s Box, Homestead Coffee & Bakery, and Greene County Abstract have been removed from the project.
Remaining are Muir Embroidery, the Masonic lodge, John’s Appliance, Royal Jewelers, Unger Insurance, Addie’s, Greene County Historical Museum, Treasure Chest, Doc’s Stadium, Don’s Ace Hardware, Meythaler Photography, Fudge’s Flower Shop and MacDonald Insurance.
City attorney Bob Schwarzkopf told the council that in the next two weeks those building owners will be asked to pay the first half of their share of the project (one-quarter of the work being done), as well as sign easements and an agreement for the second half of their share. At that time the city will issue final approval of the contract with Pinnacle.
The $500,000 Community Development Block Grant will be awarded in full, despite taking the three buildings. The city is paying $250,000, and the building owners are making up the remaining $250,000.
Memorial overpass: Also at the May 9 city council meeting, the council approved a resolution that the Highway 4 overpass be designated at the Greene County Veterans and First Responders Memorial Bridge. The resolution will be forwarded to the Iowa Department of Transportation for consideration. Jim Andrew, commander of American Legion Post 11, and Don Ihnken, commander of VFW Post 9599, requested the resolution. The county supervisors approved a resolution on Monday.
