Fireworks approved for Chingawassa Days
Fireworks from a city water tower located by Marion High School were approved Monday by Marion City Council as requested by Chingawassa Days committee.
Dave Hett of the committee made the formal request that waterfall-type fireworks be allowed at the closing of the June 3 concert during the annual festival.
Hett said he had contacted and received approval from Lee Leiker, superintendent of USD #408, and city fire marshal/fire chief Mike Regnier. Hett explained that he and Hett Construction would assume the liability of placing and removing the fireworks from the tower. The fireworks vendor will provide insurance of damages as a result of the fireworks.
The plan is for the fireworks to be detonated on the west side of the tower so festival-goers in Central Park can enjoy the spectacle. Trees and brush on the east hill of the park will be soaked with water prior to the display, said Hett. He added that if a burn ban was in place, there will be no fireworks display.
In other business:
— Two local concrete contractors made two requests regarding the bidding of city projects.
Since Marion is a city of the second class, which is based on population, the city is not required to solicit bids for every project.
City administrator David Mayfield said for city projects that are budgeted and less than $2,000, approval from the council is not required. Projects of more than $2,000 are brought before the council for approval. State statute requires contractors to be bonded for any projects $100,000 or more.
Victor Buckner of Buckner Construction requested the council establish a policy of contacting all local contractors for bids on jobs. He said it would keep the bids competitive and save the city money.
Hett said he has worked with the city for the past 28 years without complaint from the city. City projects have been by bid or by request with negotiations.
Ralph Kreutziger of Hett Construction said he would like to see the procedure remain as it is with the city requesting bids from contractors. Kreutziger said it would assure quality of work.
A decision was tabled for two weeks.
