(KLZA)-- The Falls City Council approved the recommendation of the Board of Public Works to purchase a mini-excavator from Merz Farm Equipment in Falls City at a bid price of $71,372 when they met Monday evening.

That was the low bid of four received. City Administrator Gary Jorn said the purchase was in the Utility Department budget for this year. He also noted that the city backhoe is showing wear and tear and rather than purchase another backhoe, the mini-excavator would be purchased. The new machine should allow access to area’s the backhoe can’t get.

Utility Superintendent Alan Romine said the bids were all higher than the $50,000 that had been budgeted for the piece of equipment.  In addition, a trailer to haul the machine will also be purchased at a cost of $5,000. The Board of Public Works approved the trailer purchase.

The Council also approved a bid of $188,540 for an asphalt milling and overlay from Herzog Contracting Group.  Jorn said that no bids were received for the project when it was advertised.  That allows the City to go out and negotiate a contract. This years street improvements will be made on Lane Street from 26th to 20th Street. On Chase Street from 14th Street to 8th Street, and on 8th Street from Stone to Harlan Street and from Harlan east to Lane Street. In addition the intersections and 13th and 14th and Chase Streets will be milled and overlayed. 

A number of requests from the Falls City Chamber of Commerce for use of streets and parks for the Cobblestone Festival August 25th – 28th and Lemonade Days, July 28th – 30th were also approved.