By By JAN GRIFFEY / Niles Daily Star
NILES -- It pays to do business locally.
That's the message Councilmember Scott Clark sent when he thanked Wolverine Electric of Niles for what amounts to a $2,000 donation to Niles City Fire Department for the purchase of a diesel generator.
The generator will be installed in the tow vehicle used for the department's Hazardous Material Response Trailer.
When installed, it will provide immediate power for computers, lighting and other needs.
When Bill Messner of Wolverine Electric heard of the fire department's need, and learned they were considering less expensive and less reliable options because of lack of funds, he agreed to kick in the $2,000 balance needed, which turns out to be $2,000 lower than his cost.
The council approved spending $2,819.50 with Wolverine Electric for the purchase of the 7.5 kw diesel generator.
Mike's Custom Welding of Niles will install it for $800.
Also Monday night, the city council approved a contract with Mark I Restoration Co. for the removal of facade on buildings in the 100 and 200 blocks of Main Street in Niles at a cost of $450,000.
The company was the successful bidder on the project and was recommended by The Troyer Group of South Bend, Ind., the architectural and engineering firm in charge of the project.
City Administrator Terry Eull said scaffolding for the project could go up along Main Street as early as Monday.
The city council also approved several items which will lead the way to the re-opening of the public restrooms, located to the east of the Sycamore and Second street public parking lot.
Finally, Monday night the council approved the issuance of bonds in an amount not to exceed $6 million for major capital infrastructure improvement for the city's water distribution system.
The bonds will be repaid by an increast in water usage rates.