NORTH WEBSTER – Saying they want to protect their investment in new equipment, town council approved a bid for a storage shed Tuesday. The $54,575 quote from local company Hartley Construction LLC was one of three presented by Utilities Manager Mike Noe. All were from local companies and were fairly close in price and specifications, he noted, though he had trouble getting quotes from construction companies over a three-week period. Hartley’s quote covers an insulated metal pole barn, 36 by 66 feet with two double doors, to be built near the wastewater plant. It will store equipment such as the backhoe, street sweeper and air compressor. “We have better equipment than we’ve had in years and we have to protect it,” remarked council President Jon Sroufe. Storing equipment outside has caused such problems as a rusty gas tank on the leaf vacuum, which has delayed leaf pickup for the year as Noe waits for a replacement tank. Noe told council he wasn’t sure when Hartley could begin the work, but said town employees can prepare the site themselves, saving about $1,200.
