GALLIPOLIS — The first reading of an ordinance approving a contract between the City of Gallipolis and Breech Engineering was passed during the Gallipolis City Commission meeting on Tuesday.

The contract is in relation to engineering services for the construction of a new municipal court facility and states that Breech Engineering will receive no more than $70,000 for services rendered in relation to the design and construction of said structure. A $10,000 retainer fee also applies to the contract from a previous commitment for engineering services.

Previously, the city had made a verbal agreement with Randy Breech of Breech Engineering for $90,000 (plus the aforementioned $10,000 retainer fee) for the design and oversight for the completion of a municipal administration building, as well as a municipal court/police building.

During a city commission meeting held in September, after several work sessions, the majority of the commission agreed to locate the new municipal complex on the current site of the municipal building, 518 Second Ave. and on the current city parking area across the street.

The municipal court facility is expected to cost $2 million, while the total cost for a administration building is expected to be $1 million. Also, although only a quorum was needed to approve the municipal building location, all the commissioners must be in agreement for the payment of the building of the structures.

The contract with Breech, which will become effective after the passage of a second reading, states that Breech will subcontract with an architectural firm, of the city commission’s preference, will provide detailed plans and specifications for the approval of the city commission, assist the city through the bidding process, as well as provide other services in connection with the design and construction of a court facility.

During the meeting, Commission Vice President Jay Cremeens questioned the contract.

“By entering into this contract are you certifying that that location meets all of the code by the city?” Cremeens asked and provided the example of certifying the number of parking spaces that will be available.

According to Cremeens, 50 off-street parking spaces are needed for such a building and Breech confirmed that there is not enough room for 50 parking spaces at the current city parking location.

“It all depends on decisions made about this property (current municipal building) and Davis Hall and possibly, even, another property that should net additional parking for the city,” Breech said in response the questions concerning parking.

During a roll call vote, Cremeens voted against the ordinance, while the remaining commission members voted in the affirmative.

In other action:

• The city passed the first reading of an ordinance accepting and rejecting bids for asphalt, limestone and bedding sand. Bids were awarded to Clinton Stone of Hamden, Ohio, Letart Corp. of Gallipolis, and Shelley Materials of Racine.

• The city passed the first reading of an ordinance authorizing the city manager to enter into in a contract with Gallia County for equipment and labor.

• The commission approved a motion that will allow Gallia County to tap into the sewer line located on Ohio 850 for the use of the speculative building in the Dan Evans Industrial Park.