(Posted Oct. 17, 2024)
By Kristy Zurbrick, Madison Editor
The city of London has selected Elford Inc., a construction management company out of Columbus, to oversee the construction of the city’s new police station.
Nine companies submitted quotes. A committee consisting of London Safety Service Director Rex Castle and private citizens Steve Lelonek and Joe Mosier used a grading system to narrow the choices to three, then conducted in-person interviews.
“The three candidates all did very well, but we felt a little bit closer with Elford. They impressed us a little bit more,” Castle said.
The estimated cost to build the new police station is $9 million. The city secured $5 million in federal funding to cover part of that cost. The federal funds come with the stipulation that the project abide by the Build America Buy America Act which requires that materials used in the construction be produced in the United States. While all of the construction management companies vying for the police station job had a plan for handling that requirement, Castle said Elford stood out for having a person whose designated job is handling Build America Buy America requirements.
The timeline for the project has not been finalized. The city is in the process of applying for a federal loan to cover the other $4 million of the project cost. Castle said the application process has turned out to be “long and painstaking.” As a result, the projected start date for construction has moved from summer of next year to fall of next year. While work continues on the loan application, Castle said the city is looking into alternate ways to cover the $4 million that would allow for an earlier start on construction.
The new police station will be located at the corner of Walnut and First streets.
Paying tribute
At the Oct. 3 city council meeting, Mayor Patrick Closser and members of council honored the memory of Richard “Dick” Minner and James “Speedy” DeLong, both of whom passed away recently.
Minner worked for the London Fire Department for 38 years, including many years as chief. He also served on city council. Closser said Minner knew a lot about the city and cared deeply for the community. DeLong worked in the parks and recreation department. Closser said DeLong was known as a very hard-working man.
“I appreciate everything they did for London and for myself and for this community. They will be missed,” Closser said.