Published: November 18, 2008 10:27 am         

City locks in fuel prices for 2009

Though city finances are facing tight times ahead, the Goshen Board of Public Works and Safety found opportunity in the economic downturn.

At their meeting Monday afternoon, board members awarded a bid to North Central Co-Op to supply fuel for city vehicles in 2009. The contract locks in prices for the city of $1.997 per gallon for E-10 Plus gasoline, $2.478 for road diesel and $2.366 for Dieselex-4, an off-road diesel fuel.

The board considered a contract with North Central Co-Op with floating prices last week. They sent it back after talking with a company representative at the meeting, who gave details about the fixed-pricing option.

Another bid reviewed at the meeting was rejected. LaPorte Construction delivered estimates of $37,997.40 for rehabilitation of the Douglas Street bridge and $88,900 for the Jefferson Street bridge. No other bids were received for the project.

According to Director of Public Works Bob McCoige, the estimates exceeded both officials’ own calculations as well as current funding available for the projects.

An agreement with Goshen Firefighters Association Local No. 1443 covering wages, work schedule and insurance was approved after being passed by the association several days ago. It provides city firefighters with a 2 percent increase in wages over the 2008 level. The paramedic certification bonus was also increased to $2,300 plus $200 for every year of certification for a maximum of $4,500. The agreement includes a new article relating to fire districts, allowing for renegotiation of the sections within the agreement should Goshen join a fire district that includes areas outside of the city.

Board members approved the continued lease of space in the building located at 211 S. Fifth St. for use by the Goshen Police Department. The lease runs from Jan. 1, 2009 to Dec. 31, 2009, at a cost of $423 per month.

Two other pieces of business were dismissed after it was determined no future board action was necessary. An order of the building department regarding problems with an electrical outlet violating city code was dropped after board members were informed the necessary repairs had been completed.

Mowing dispute

The other item, relating to a dispute as to the accuracy of an invoice for mowing a residence, was dismissed after the involved party gave explanation and a promise to provide documentation showing they were not in possession of the property at the time that the city had the lot mowed.

The legal department will now pursue payment through the mortgage company in legal possession of the home.