Trustees approved Town engineer Stephanie Brothers’ recommendation to choose Mountain Constructors for the roundabout project at the intersection of State Hwy. 56 and First Street at the Aug. 4 meeting. The construction firm offered the lowest of three bids received for the project, which has an estimated total cost of $1.6 million. Mountain Constructors submitted a bid of $1,125,775 for 160 days of work.

Brothers said the construction firm could be ready to begin work in two weeks. However, before the project can start, the Colorado Department of Transportation must give final approval.

When asked how long the projected is expected to take to complete, Brothers noted that while a project schedule was not included as part of the bid process, a previous estimate was around six months. Brothers noted that was a conservative estimate and would hopefully be completed sooner.

Trustee Jeff Hindman asked about enhancements associated with the project, and suggested that this aspect of it go out for bid in the near future. Hindman also expressed concern about a half-block of undone street, which he said should be included in the project. Mayor Tom Patterson said repairing that area would be a complicated process because of weirs and ditches located there.

Mayor Pro Tem David Gregg suggested that an onsite discussion with the contractor take place regarding the project and how it will proceed.

Hindman also requested that Town staff provide a detailed list of all expenses associated with the roundabout project so the trustees could better understand what funds may be available to the Town if the project comes in under budget.

Town to Seek Grant Writer
The Town Board has directed interim Town Administrator Gary Suiter to seek a grant writer by advertising a request for proposals in area newspapers and on the Internet. Trustee Michael Patrick, who has been exploring grant acquisition with Mayor Tom Patterson, said the Town needs someone to pursue those grants that take extra effort.

The trustees discussed the possibility of paying a grant writer a percentage of commission for those successfully received, but decided that it might not be advisable because payment would have to be taken from the Town’s general fund.

Trustee Glen Buckingham said he believed grant funds should be generated for the areas of roads, law enforcement, parks, municipal planning, waste water and water. “We have to be tactical,” he said. “We never had a plan for grants from the prior town administrator.”

Patrick suggested that a grant subcommittee be formed to assist with the process.