SIDNEY — Shelby Countians will enjoy a new grandstand on the Shelby County Fairgrounds this summer, following action Tuesday by the Shelby County Commissioners.
Meeting in regular session, the commissioners awarded a construction contract to E&D Specialty Stands for a 1,480-seat, roofed grandstand. The North Collins, New York, firm’s bid was selected from among five accepted bids submitted for the project.
E&D’s base bid was $413,130. The commissioners, after meeting with the Shelby County Agricultural Society, Friday, also approved two add-ons. One calls for a clear-span understructure of at least 10 feet, which will cost $9,950. The other provides a fully enclosed, interlocking decking system for a cost of $7,480. Options not selected were for skirting around the front of the stands and extra slip-resistance treatment on the decking.
“The slip-resistance on the approved decking meets code regulations,” Shelby County Engineer Bob Geuy told the Sidney Daily News when the bids came in. “There’s really no need for anything additional.”
The total E&D contract is for $430,560.
It does not include lighting, concrete walkways or other items that will “finish” the project, said Jerry Schaffner, fair board secretary. It does require that construction be complete by June 1.
“We have to get the grandstand up by June 1 because we have to report on a grant by July 1,” he said. “But fundraising will go on.” To date, $490,000 has been raised in donations, grants and pledges.
Schaffner admitted that awarding the first contract after two years of planning feels good.
“It feels great,” he said. “It will feel greater when we make sure we have enought money to pay the whole thing off in the five-year period.”
Donors can make pledges payable over five years. To contribute, call the Community Foundation of Shelby County at 937-497-7800.
Construction work on the grandstand will probably begin in mid-March, once permits have been received and the weather cooperates.
In other recent business, the commissioners authorized advertising for bids on
• The Hardin-Wapak Road bridge rehabilitation project. Those bids will be opened at 11 a.m., Jan. 31.
• The 2017 roadside mowing program. Those bids will be opened Feb. 9, at 11 a.m.
• Asphalt materials and liquid bituminous materials. Those quotes wil be open on Feb. 9, at 11 a.m.
