Flaming Metal System's bid of $128,780 was lower than competitive bids of $168,500 from Jantz Construction of Tampa and $171,500 from Harlin Construction of Salina.

The bid did not include the floor, which will be left to complete later to the specifications of an occupant.

Councilor Bill Holdeman called for a discussion on the agenda of the next council meeting to consider closer monitoring and approval of the activities of city employees.

He also suggested that council members be more involved in hiring and firing decisions.

Councilor Gene Winkler countered that such things already are being handled by a city administrator that the city pays to do them, and that to include them in normal council meetings would greatly expand the time needed.

Mayor Martin Tice directed that a discussion be added to accommodate Holdeman's wishes.

Holdeman also suggested the city get a private bid for construction of the 12-5 electric line around town that is being done by the city crew a little at a time.

Public Works Director Harvey Sanders asked Holdeman to ride with him to look at the project before such a proposal is considered.

Councilor Jerry Kline said such time he spent looking at the project with Sanders had been very informative.

Fire Chief Mike Regnier accepted a check of $5,120 toward the purchase of a thermal-imaging camera from a group representing Lutheran Services and local volunteer effort led by Ruth Lange.

The council voted 4-1 to install a 6-inch concrete culvert alongside an existing culvert for $14,459 to help stop flooding on Country Club Drive from a stream that drains 1,700 acres, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture survey.

Tice voted against the project because he said the city lacks any study that shows the new culvert will solve the problem.

Roger Schwab told council members he has problems determining how street upkeep expenses might be divided at his property because he lives on a cul-de-sac.

Winkler told him resurfacing and other such new street expenses are borne equally by the property owners along it.

Schwab said his other problem is that he wants to be sure the council treats property owners the same on street construction all over town, and not to do special favors for persons living in such areas as Country Club Drive.