Bastrop, Tx–In a report to the city council Oct. 13, City Manager Mike Talbot said a date for soliciting bids for building a new city hall and Bastrop’s first convention center has been delayed until Nov. 16, roughly 30 days behind previous plans.
The two new structures on Chestnut Street immediately east of the Union Pacific rail line in the city will be bid as a single package in hopes of ginning up competitive interest from contractors.
Talbot said the city should receive bids for the work by Dec. 1, and he hopes to award a construction contract before Christmas, even if it means a late December council meeting to seal a deal.
The city manager also alerted the council to two different issues which may be headed their way before too long:
*Discussion among parks board members aimed at restricting the sale of spray paint and related products as a possible way to reduce graffitti in city parks.
*Discussion among the Historic Landmark Commission about a ban on hanging banners and related signs on the 1923 Old Iron Bridge. Such signs have been frequently used in recent years by local civic and community groups to advertise upcoming events and fundraisers. The bridge is a city historic landmark and part of Bastrop’s park system.