Wednesday, September 7th, 2022
Out with the old, in with the new
Rockford to replace old 1931 water tower
By Erin Gardner
Photo by Ryan Snyder/The Daily Standard
Built in 1931, Rockford's old water tower will be torn down and replaced.
ROCKFORD - Village council members on Tuesday night passed an emergency resolution to award a $1.25 million contract to Caldwell Tanks of Louisville, Kentucky, to replace the village's water tower.
Village administrator Aaron Temple said the water tower reconstruction project, which will be built near Shanes Park, involves a complete remodel.
The existing water tower was built in 1931 between Columbia and Front streets. The new water tower is expected to be completed in October 2023, Temple had said.
The exact measurements of the new tower have yet to be determined, but Temple said the new tower will hold 100,000 gallons.
Temple has said the village will pay for the water tower with an $850,000 grant and $114,000 in American Rescue Funds. The remainder of the cost will be paid for with village funds. On Tuesday night, he said the village will pay $747,500 through Ohio Water Development Authority loan financing.
McGuire Iron Inc. of South Dakota and Phoenix Fabricators and Erectors of Avon, Indiana, also submitted bids. Temple did not have bid amounts from the two companies.
Temple has said village consultant Access Engineering, Celina, suggested lower bid prices might be submitted later in the year, considering markets are rattled amid fluctuations and disturbances overseas. Temple also has said he would seek a separate bid to repaint the second water tower behind the Fremont Company.
Photo by Ryan Snyder/The Daily Standard
Rockford's newer water tower behind the Fremont Company will be repainted.
In other business, council members also passed an emergency resolution authorizing Temple to apply for, accept and enter into a cooperative agreement for the construction of the water tower replacement project.
Councilors also,
• welcomed Rick Shindeldecker as economic development committee chairperson.
• agreed to pay bills totaling $23,708.25.
• appointed Luke Stephenson as WRKD station council representative.
• approved the Homecoming Parade route on Sept. 25. The parade will start at the football field from Franklin Street to Market Street to Jay Street and then return to the football field. The time is to be determined, possibly 4 p.m. or later.
• heard there is a new business opportunity at the corner of Main and Columbia streets.
• heard Temple report the pond construction is complete. He also said the village needs to relocate two trees on the corner of Main and South streets. Additionally, the tree in front of the library is too big and needs to be taken out.
• heard the Rockford Fire Department chicken dinner/raffle will be Sept. 10, the Fox family ride for autism will be Sept. 17 and the Mercer County Household Hazardous Waste Day and steel drop off will be from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Oct. 22 at the Mercer County Fairgrounds.
• heard the chamber fall fest/trick or treat/costume judging will be Oct. 29. Times for trick or treat have not yet been announced.
The next village council meeting is 7:30 p.m. Sept. 20 at the village hall.
