MVSD seeks to begin repairs without bids

The cost estimate for the emergency repairs exceeds $23,000.
MINERAL RIDGE -- A lawyer for the Mahoning Valley Sanitary District has filed a court motion arguing that the need for heat at the water treatment facility should supersede the needs for bids.
Atty. Charles L. Richards filed paperwork last week in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court asking for permission for MVSD directors to have repairs done without a bidding process.
At issue is the boiler system, which provides heat to the plant off Salt Springs Road.
In his motion, Richards writes that the system includes "three ... boilers which are in need of immediate repairs and upgrade."
A cost estimate for the repairs and upgrades is $23,530 from Prout Boiler Heating and Welding Inc. of Youngstown.
Not functional
MVSD directors and Chief Engineer Tom Holloway met last month, when Holloway said the system is not functional, and would need to be repaired in time for winter.
In the motion, Richards writes that if repairs and upgrades do not begin immediately, MVSD's operations "will be threatened and compromised."
Directors agreed and passed a resolution deeming the repairs an emergency, and asked Richards to petition the court of jurisdiction for permission to forgo advertising for bids. State law requires MVSD to bid for any work or purchases exceeding $10,000.
The court of jurisdiction, which rules in most legal matters affecting the MVSD, is composed of two judges, one each from Mahoning and Trumbull counties.
Holloway was not available to comment Monday since MVSD offices were closed for Columbus Day.
MVSD operates the plant that provides water from the Meander Reservoir at wholesale costs to member cities Niles and Youngstown and the village of McDonald.
Each community then sells the water to more than 300,000 business and residential customers.