The limestone facing was already off the old No. 4 fire station on the city’s west side Monday, after Kokomo developer Scott Pitcher’s work crews did a little weekend demolition.
That work was the first — and only pro bono — portion of an 11th hour project expected to cost city taxpayers $70,000.
Bowyer Excavating, Peru, came in as the lowest of five bidders on work to demolish three buildings on the northwest corner of Sycamore Street and Dixon Road, and has already started work, city director of operations Randy Morris said Monday.
The work is being performed at taxpayer expense, due to a contract former Mayor Matt McKillip signed 10 days before leaving office.
In that contract, McKillip agreed to amend the city’s original contract with Peacock Dixon LLC, Indianapolis, taking on the task of demolishing the buildings to pay for cost overruns Peacock officials are claiming on a new fire station on West Sycamore Street.
For more than 18 months before leaving office, McKillip insisted the only cost for the new fire station would be giving up the old No. 4 station property at Sycamore and Dixon.
Peacock wants the former station property as the site of a new Walgreens drug store, but to make way for Walgreens, the Subway and Wendy’s restaurants north of the fire station on Dixon had to be torn down and moved further north.
Officials with Kokomo Mayor Greg Goodnight’s administration said they found out about the contract from Peacock in January, and said it appears to be legally binding.
In the notice, Peacock informed the city — per the McKillip-signed contract — it had 20 days to begin demolition work on the three buildings.
Former Kokomo Fire Chief Dave Duncan, now a captain with the department, said McKillip felt it reasonable to continue referring to the Peacock deal as giving the city a “free” fire station because he believed city workers could do the demolition work during a mid-winter lull.
Morris said Monday he was worried demolition bids would come in high — perhaps more than $100,000 — but said the number of bids received and the bid prices made the decision to use a contractor easy.
“Bowyer’s bid was more reasonable for the city than all of the hours we figured we’d need to pay city workers, the wear and tear on city equipment, tipping fees and everything else,” Morris said.
Morris said demolition work will begin today on the Subway, and said Bowyer is expected to get the three buildings demolished and the building sites ready “as soon as possible without any breaks.”
“I’m glad that the confusion of all this is moving behind us,” Morris said.
Scott Smith may be reached at (765) 454-8569 or via e-mail at scott.smith@kokomotribune.com
Local News
Related Photos
Discussion
City demolition work will cost $70K
Unexpected work sent new administration scrambling
- Local News
-
-
Local band hopes to Land the Big Gig
Kokomo's Shiny Penny and the Critical Shoes has entered into the final round of a national competition called Land The Big Gig and a chance to play at Summerfest, the world's largest music festival, in Milwaukee.
-
Convenience store moves ahead
Plans to rezone a corner of Washington Street and East Boulevard received initial approval from the Kokomo Common Council Monday, moving the matter to a final vote June 11.
-
Council gives OK to alcohol in Foster Park
The Kokomo Common Council approved a new policy for alcohol in Foster Park with little comment Monday, a move sought by local not-for-profit groups.
-
Relics from Howard County jail on display
An old pad lock found in a cigar box by Jane Reed, the daughter of former Sheriff Tom Leap, spurred Sheriff Steve Rogers to endeavor to outline the history of the Howard County jail.
-
County to consider hospital merger
County officials today will consider approving an agreement that will make Howard Regional Health System a part of the statewide Community Health Network.
The Howard County commissioners and Howard County Council will meet at 5 p.m. in the basement of the Howard County Administration Center, 220 N. Main St.
-
Tipton commissioners OK E-on facility rezoning
TIPTON – Despite concerns from area residents, the Tipton County Commissioners unanimously approved rezoning for E-on Climate & Renewables operating center in rural Tipton County.
-
Bracing for changes in GED
Trisha Smith dropped out of high school nearly 25 years ago when she got pregnant with her son, and now, even simple multiplication is difficult for her. She enrolled in GED classes two weeks ago through the Literacy Coalition of Howard County so she can make a better life for her and her family.
-
Park gets favorable approval
The Howard County Plan Commission has given a favorable recommendation for a rezoning request to open a part on the western edge of the county.
-
Kokomo native to showcase artwork
John D. Shearer, photographer and Kokomo native, will display his multi-media exhibit “I’m Too Young For This @#!%” during the month of June at the Ivy Tech John Waldron Arts Center in Bloomington. The opening reception is 5 to 8 p.m. June 1, and is free and open to the public.
-
Haynes factory tour highlights haunted history
In 2001, Pat Shuck felt something strange inside the dilapidated, 100-year old factory building at 1124 S. Union St. – a passing breeze in a windless room.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Local band hopes to Land the Big Gig
US Airways: Diverted Flight Has 'Landed Safely'
A Few Odd Business Sparks but Europe Gloomy
Revived Focus on Regulation After JPMorgan Loss
Gerard Butler: the Good, the Bad and the Cannes
At Least 25 Dead in India Train Collision
Raw Video: Private Rocket Blasts Off
Boy to Rescuers: 'Do You Have a Plan?'
Doctors and Devotees Debate Barefoot Running
Blacks Seek to Find Their Own Missing
Houston Museum Unveils $85 Million Dinosaur Hall
Chicago Police: 90 Arrested in NATO Protests
Ex-Rutgers Student Gets 30 Days in Webcam Case
Obama Sees Inspiration in Joplin Graduates
Raw Video: Man Saved After Niagara Falls Plunge
NATO: Afghan Exit 'Irreversible'
Catholic Groups Sue Over Contraception Mandate
4 Arrested After Man's Beating at Dodger Stadium
Investors Slap Facebook 11 Percent Lower
Raw Video: Dramatic 270-Foot Waterfall Rescue
Fingers Do the Fighting at Wrestling Tourney
