Authority grants $4.3M in contracts
By Phil Ray, pray@altoonamirror.comArticle Photos
Construction of a new administration building for the Altoona Water Authority could move into full swing next month with contracts awarded Thursday for the project.
The authority, by a 4-0 vote with one absention, awarded $4.3 million worth of contracts.
Site work for the new building at Ninth Street and Chestnut Avenue already has started.
Authority member William Geis said board members were pleasantly surprised when they totaled the bottom line on the bids.
"The bids were about right," he said after the meeting at the authority's Greenwood office.
The contractors who will do the work on the 15,000-square-foot brick structure are mostly local.
Ralph J. Albarano & Sons Inc. of Duncansville submitted the low bid as the general contractor at $2.9 million.
Season-Aire Inc., also of Duncansville, submitted a bid of $595,000 for the heating.
Architect David B. Albright, who presented the bids, said another company submitted a bid of $557,700 for the heating but it was rejected because it did not contain information about the contractor's experience with similar projects.
Montgomery Brothers of Altoona received the plumbing contract at $206,000, and Bonder Technical Services of Butler was awarded the electrical contract at $627,400.
The building will be located on what authority members said was a historical plot of ground.
"Altoona started on that corner," Geis said.
Authority members Geis, Maurice A. Lawruk, Patrick J. Dumm and Tony Ruggery voted to award the contracts while member Tom Martin abstained. Martin said his company does business with Albarano's firm.
Mirror Staff Writer Phil Ray is at 946-7468.
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theadvocate
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08-23-09 5:46 PM
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Jerry Fletcher lives!!!!!
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brutis
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08-23-09 3:54 AM
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PattyAnn, You asked " I don't know why taxpayers have to fund such luxury for public servants." Because these beauocrats are Corporate servants. They do not represent us, the common man. The common American has no voice, and no representation, unless INcorporated. All governments serve the the Corporate Cartels. Energy Cartels ( fuels, and electricity), Insurance Cartels, Medical Cartels, and the BIGGEST, Banking Cartels. Who dictate it all. Who stole Americas heritage, industrial infrastrcture, and all other decent paying jobs. Indoing so, this forced us to borrow more as we no longer have the money we once had. Now, the banking Cartels have widdled the "new economy" ( yes, this recent fall out was planned), down to where it will soon be neccesary to have credit to be able to buy a pair of socks.
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brutis
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08-22-09 4:27 PM
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Geis said the land is historical, as "Altoona started on that corner,"... Ya, and it ended there as well. You just tore down the original buildings.
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brutis
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08-22-09 4:06 PM
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With all the new people running to Altoona for great jobs, and and opportunities, the need to expand was overwhelming. Not to forget the new sports stadium being built where Roosevelt once stood. Even though 200 yards away was a feild that worked fine. And was barely used. Yep, Altoonas and Americas politicians are something. Aren't they?
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PattyAnn
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08-22-09 2:32 PM
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It must be national arrogance on the part of Water Authorities. I live in San Diego and the Water Authority building is the most grandiose thing I've ever seen. I don't know why taxpayers have to fund such luxury for public servants.
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KlausVR
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08-21-09 4:54 PM
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"These jokers need to get their priorities straight." Runner: They got priorities straight, all right ... THEIR priorities! That's the way it has always worked. And, that's the way it always WILL work.
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RidgeRunner
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08-21-09 11:56 AM
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No money for upgrades to meet pollution standards but 4.3M for a new meeting facility to sit their fat ***** in? These jokers need to get their priorities straight.
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DRILLMAMMA
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08-21-09 10:37 AM
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Once again advocate....I'm entitled to my opinion. Just because I don't agree with you does not make me a bad person. Just as your entitled to your opinion about thinking I'm bitter. Its an opinion, not bitterness. Your the one that needs to grow up. Don't forget, I LOVE YOU. MUAH!!
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theadvocate
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08-21-09 10:20 AM
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So its not whether or not he voted this time, its his buddies. Wow what do you want to be when you grow up? This petty bitterness is like children on the playground. Lawruk did nothing to you, get a life
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RoyalCoachman
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08-21-09 10:16 AM
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Shouldn't "we" being working on the treatment plant updates before worrying about nice, new office space for authorities?
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DRILLMAMMA
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08-21-09 8:21 AM
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But the other places are not new Aces. We have to help out some of Lawruks buddies make money from the taxpayers. They're starving.
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Aces20
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08-21-09 8:00 AM
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Seriously ... why do these government bodies and agencies need all this extra fluff when all they really need is a cheap place. There are already tons of available spaces all over Altoona for rent or for sale. Cripes, take an existing warehouse and turn it into offices and storage bays. This new building is just another act of stupidity.
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JohnParker
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08-21-09 6:47 AM
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Your tax dollars at work (or not).
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itsmee
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08-21-09 6:03 AM
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Don't you think that $286 per square foot is a bit much???
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