Problems not addressed for lack of quorum

Workers at the Delano Transfer Station will have to live with a mold problem a little longer.

The Regional Board of Mayors had the mold issue on their agenda Monday, but not enough mayors showed up for the meeting to deal with the problem.

The mold issue and other problems were targeted for repair by the group’s insurance company last spring, and the mayors were given 60 days to correct the problem.

That was several months ago, and the issues raised still haven’t been dealt with.

Work needed includes asphalt repair and drainage (causing the mold), replacement of drywall and insulation, removal of existing shower stall and shelving in two places, replacement of a roll-up door, repair of siding and roofing, replacement of GFCI outlets, installation of emergency and exit lights, removal and installation of shop lighting, and a handful of other problems.

Electric City Clerk Russell Powers has put money in next year’s budget to fix the drainage and mold problems, but those are only part of the problem. The mayors couldn’t pass the RBOM 2018 budget, which was also on the agenda, due to the lack of a representative from Coulee Dam.

Twice the DWK Fowler Construction Company has provided the lone bid of $54,904 for the work, but mayors were doubtful about getting approval for the work from their councils.

Workers have complained about the mold, and mayors have agreed that it provides an unsafe work environment for the staff.

Now, with the new delay, there is a question of whether the work will get done this year. If the mayors agreed to do the work at their next meeting, Oct. 9, it would take at least a month to get approval, if they could, from their town and city councils.