Five months after approving architectural plans for the “diamond in the rough” that is slated to house its new chambers, Orangeburg City Council on Tuesday approved the low adjusted bid for the long-anticipated project.
Council approved the $718,321 low bid, submitted by Lyn-Rich Contracting Company Inc. of West Columbia, to turn the old fire station next door to City Hall into the new council chambers.
City Administrator John Yow explained that the four bids received ranged from $766,200 up to $846,000. After negotiating with the apparent low bidder, some $47,879 in deductions were made from the initial bid.
One cost saving, Yow said, was the $14,000 realized by the use of a roofing subcontractor.
Architect West Summers has described the historic 4,000-square-foot fire station as a “diamond in the rough.”
Yow said “Fire Station One is the second-oldest continuously serving station in South Carolina. We outgrew it and even the equipment outgrew it.” The Department of Public Safety has moved to new headquarters on Middleton Street.
“It was built in the 1920s, along with the current building we’re in. The city didn’t want to lose that building,” Yow said. “And, we had issues having council on the second floor.”
Council has moved downstairs to Stevenson Auditorium when someone with a handicap has wanted to attend the session.
“I’d like to be in by Christmas,” said Mayor Paul Miller.
“We’ll do our best,” Summers said. “The 80th birthday for the building will be about next year this time.”
The mayor added that he’s excited about what will be done to make the building attractive and serviceable.
In other business, council:
Councilman Bernard Haire, who cast the lone vote against the ordinance, has called it “grossly unfair to the employees,” by tipping the balance toward management instead of the employees.
Yow noted that the new personnel handbook lists the reasons for termination.
Councilman Trelvis Miller did not attend the session.
Council voted 5-1-1 that the employee be suspended without pay from Feb. 16, 2007, through April 5, 2007. He will then be transferred as an employee of the city to another department at the same pay level, conditional upon receiving counseling approved by the city administrator.
Councilman Charles Jernigan cast the lone vote against the motion.
The Grievance Committee had recommended that he be transferred to another department.
T&D Government Writer Tucker Lyon can be reached at tlyon@timesanddemocrat.com or by calling 803-533-5545.