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John “Jack” Helin
(Articles are in reverse chronological order)
TAB 5
Although the negotiating team originally opted to only meet with the low bidder, Helin did
comment on whether the "other options" included opening the process to one of the other firms
that submitted a bid or simply altering the negotiations style.
If McPherson Contractors submits a firm proposal to the city during the May 20 meeting, it is
possible Helin would be able to brief the governing body on a potential proposal during the
regularly-scheduled May 23 Council meeting. However, given the events that have taken place
during the last three weeks, it is difficult to project timelines for phases of the project.
The entire process for city officials is a sensitive one because of several factors. On Nov. 2,
2004, Bonner Springs voters approved establishing a sales tax hike to fund construction of the
facility. Additionally, that sales tax went on the books last month. Coupled together, those
factors may explain the touchy nature of the project and city officials' desire to move forward
toward an ultimate construction date.
Despite bumps in the road along the way, the objective of spending $3.5 million for an aquatic
facility in Bonner Springs still exists. "I think we are optimistic that we can still get the aquatic
facility that everyone wants and was talking about earlier," Helin said. "What it will end up like
exactly? I don't know."
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