(*Updated 9-p.m. 5/13) — A public hearing will be held Wednesday in Atlantic, with regard to the Plans, Specifications & form of contract for an addition to the City of Atlantic’s Street Department Building. City Administrator John Lund has said $100,000 was set aside for the proposed project. He said funds for construction of the addition are coming from the Road Use Tax Fund, not property taxes or the Debt Fund. The hearing is part of the regular Atlantic City Council meeting at City Hall, that begins at 5:30-p.m.

During a Council meeting April 17th, Councilman Chris Jimerson asked Snyder and Associates Engineer Dave Sturm where the $100,000 figure came from, and if there were ways to reduce the costs. Jimerson said he looked at the Street Department facilities and asked what would be saved by remodeling the one stall employee restroom and knock-off 10-feet of the proposed addition dimensions. Sturm said the new bathroom would be ADA compliant, but wasn’t able to immediately furnish a cost breakdown. Right now, they have a bench to sit on in front of the building as a break area. Mayor Dave Jones they need the room and not just a plywood table and bench.

Following the Public Hearing, the Council will act on a Resolution approving the Plans, Specs and Form of Contract for the addition. They’ll also review construction bids for the project and award a contract for the project. Administrator Lund is recommending the Council accept the Lowest Bid. In other business, the Atlantic City Council will act on an Order to Authorize the Sale of, and Solicit of bids for, the Atlantic Senior Center, with a minimum bid of $40,000, and a bid submission deadline of 4:30-p.m., May 30th. During an earlier meeting in April, the Council rejected a lone bid of $20,445 from the Elk’s Club. At a subsequent meeting of the Personnel & Finance Committee, members were split on selling the property, but they were agreed that the minimum threshold ($40k) should be met.

The Council is expected to hear an announcement from 3rd Ward Councilwoman Ashley Hayes, with regard to her resignation. Hayes moved out of her Ward in early December, but no action was taken to appoint her successor or hold a special election. The Cass County Auditor’s Office received a complaint from a concerned citizen and raised the issue with the City. The Mayor and City Attorney Mark Bosworth have concluded it would be appropriate for her to resign and to begin the process of filling the vacancy. Hayes had previously announced on social media, that she would not be seeking re-election for her term that expires Jan. 1st, 2020.

*The Council will act on an Order to accept Hayes’ resignation as 3rd Ward Councilwoman, effect May 16th, and on an Order to send notice that the vacant 3rd Ward City Council seat will be filled by appointment