Aldermen unanimously approved the contract with Marthasville-based Lamke Trenching and Excavating, Inc. on a bid of $14,330. A low bid of $14,000 was submitted by S&S Utility Contracting Co., Inc., out of O'Fallon, but it was an estimate only. CJN Products, Inc., of Warrenton submitted the highest bid at $16,594. Mayor Dale Verges said the existing line is the original one that was installed back in the 1950s. He added the line has experienced several leaks in the past and has approximately five patches to help keep water flowing. The project could possibly begin as early as next week, Verges noted, and could be completed by the end of the month depending on weather. "It's the main line that feeds downtown," Verges said. "That section needs to be replaced." Before last week's meeting began, the aldermen and mayor meet at Griswold Street with property owner Phil Mittler to discuss the need to improve the street. According to Verges, the board discussed where to install a stormsewer inlet and whether to resurface the street with asphalt or concrete. When the board reconvened at city hall, they looked over old plans designed by Lewis-Bade, Inc., from Oct. 10, 2006. The board decided to hold a workshop on Saturday, Nov. 8, at 8 a.m. at Griswold Street to determine what grade level the street needed to be brought up to. Alderman Leo Tobben will provide the survey equipment. Also last week, the board approved a request to hire an additional part-time employee. Aldermen unanimously approved the hiring of Mike Peters to assist Dennis Kopp, a part-time streets and maintenance employee. Verges said he expects Peters to work one day a week. He will be paid $14 an hour. Peters was already employed part time for snow removal. Verges added that Peters will help Kopp with two-man jobs such as cutting down trees and clearing brush. "We're playing catchup," Verges said. "Being safety conscious, it's not best to have one person doing things." .ð