City Council members approved a bid Monday from Todd Hackett Construction to complete a renovation of the Wellman-Schofield Public Library.

The Muscatine firm, the lone bidder, submitted a bid of $494,000 for the project with a substantial completion date of 120 days. Martin Gardner, the plan’s architect, had estimated the cost at $768,529, which was less than the $832,000 originally projected. 

The refurbished library will incorporate space on the east end of the building, formerly used by the Senior Dining Center. The work will upgrade the existing building for study rooms, storage space, staff work areas and improved public restrooms.  The addition will nearly double its current size to encompass 6,000 sq. ft. The work is expected to be completed in October of this year. 

In other business, council members approved an agreement with engineering firm Shive-Hattery for the design of the sewer, water and drainage systems that would serve the splashpad.  The 1,000 sq. ft.  pad would be constructed near a site once used for sand volleyball. It is projected to cost $255,000. The splashpad would be paid for with money from a Washington County Riverboat Foundation grant.

The Goodwin Dining Center will raise its meal costs beginning July 1. Councilmembers approved an increase from $7 per meal to $8. City Manager Kelly Litwiller said costs to the city have increased to as much as $13 per meal served. 

The city will enter into a contract for $3,500 with Midwest Duct Works for a thorough cleaning of the ductwork at city hall to correct a long-standing problem. City employees have long noticed a sewer-type smell from the heating system. A representative of the firm said it was likely the odor was trapped in bacteria within the system and could only be removed by fumigation and a complete cleaning. The work will be performed over the Memorial Day holiday while the office is vacant.

Council members approved a resolution to accept the city’s budget for 2023-24.