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Falls City Council Narrowly Approves Bid for Test Wells

By Matthew Leaf

07/17/2012

(KTNC) - The Falls City Council narrowly approved a recommendation from the Board of Public Works to hire Charles Sargent Irrigation to drill test wells at the Rulo Water Plant.
The BPW’s recommendation followed the recommendation of project engineer Kirkham Michael of Omaha.
Sargent’s bid of $23,650 dollars was approved, even though it was not the lowest of three bids that were received. Rieschick Drilling submitted the low bid of $17,524 – more than $6,100 less than the winning bid. Engineer Rich Robinson explained why they recommended going with the bid from Charles Sargent. (play audio :62)
Those objections were outlined in a letter from project engineer Scott Schmoker to Utility Superintendent Alan Romine. Second Ward councilman Ryan Rieschick spoke on behalf of the Rieschick Drilling, and said the company does have experience with municipal wells. (play audio :48)
The council voted 4-3 to accept the bid from Charles Sargent Irrigation, with Rieschick not voting. Mayor pro tem Jerry Oliver cast the deciding vote in favor of awarding the bid.
In other business Monday night, the Falls City Council approved a recommendation from the Housing Advisory Committee to award three contracts, totaling $61,519, for three projects through the City’s Housing Rehab Program.
On a 5-2 vote, with council members Ryan Rieschick and Steve Scholl voting no, the council approved a request to hire attorney Mike Dunn to prepare documents for the city to annex land into the city. The proposed annexation consists of 160 acres on the southwest corner of Falls City. Several people attended the meeting who oppose the proposed annexation.
The council gave favorable comment to two requests for special designated liquor licenses for wedding receptions at Prichard Auditorium, as well as a request to rent the Auditorium for a wedding reception on December 31st and to allow alcohol to be served.
Approval was also given to use city streets and Stanton Lake for the Cobblestone Fun Run and Walk on August 25th.
The council ended the meeting by approving the resignation of Councilman Ryan Rieschick. Rieschick is resigning his seat as he and his family are moving to Auburn as of August 10th.

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