Aug. 18--The low bidder on renovations to the old Pilgrim's Pride warehouse into a county event center came in at $1.4 million.

Limestone County Commission Chairman David Seibert tabled approval of low bidder Cooper Construction of Birmingham Monday until he has a chance to further discuss the project with officials of the firm.

"I didn't have a chance to talk with them before awarding the bid, so I'm going to go to Birmingham on Friday and talk with them about the construction time and penalties for going over," said Seibert.

He said 12 firms responded to the county's request for bids with the highest being $1.7 million. Cooper Construction will be responsible for building restrooms, a commercial kitchen, foyer, outside patio, lighting, heating and air-conditioning and staining the floor.

"They came in at about $50 a square foot," said Seibert. "That's pretty good, considering the $250 a square foot that they came up with in the feasibility study."

Seibert was referring to a Greater Limestone County Chamber of Commerce feasibility study to build an event center on property donated by Athens State University.

"Of course, the big attraction with this, is that we already have a building," said Seibert.

Other business

In other business, the commission approved:

--Providing matching funds of $51,000 for a Community Development Block Grant to build a new Tanner Senior Center;

--Accepted a grant from the Department of Justice through the Fiscal Year 2009 Recover Act of $17,884 for the purchase of video equipment;

--Annual Top of Alabama Regional Council of Governments agreements for senior aides and Senior Community Service Employment Program;

--Reimbursement of the Community Corrections court referral officer of $3,496 monthly;

--Re-appointment of Don Osborne to the Mental Health of North Central Alabama Board;

--Out-of-state travel for Sara Barksdale and Shelia Long;

--Low bidder Long-Lewis Ford of Shoals at $27,577.50 for one or more New Crew Cab 4-by-2 pickup trucks for Parks & Recreation;

--Currie Systems at $388 for printing for the Revenue Commissioner Office;

--Contract renewal with McCain Uniforms;

--Change of staffing plan to include a mechanic/operator III at a Grade VII for District 2;

--Placement for sale on GovDeals.com for District 3: Isuzu diesel engine; two toolboxes for service trucks; 7-foot Rhino mower; 12-foot trailer; and 18-foot trailer.

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