Rather than accepting a bid for painting and repairing the water tower, the Royal City Council decided to delay a decision so another firm can prepare a proposal for consideration next month.

Representatives of Viking Industrial Painting, of Omaha, Neb., were in Royal on Sept. 15 and learned the city was considering proposals for work on the water tower. They surveyed the structure and asked the council for time to conduct a thorough inspection.

"I know we came in very late. We realize you were in the late stages of making a decision," said Sales Representative Rob Jongquist.

Viking Industrial Painting would inspect the structure and recommend any structural, safety, security and sanitary improvements they feel are necessary.

"We're not trying to 'muddy the waters' by coming in with other recommendations," Jongquist said. "We are asking if we can do a thorough assessment of the water tower and tank."

Director of Sales Brandon Vandermey said Viking Industrial Painting's report would be "very detailed," including photos to go with each recommendation.

Other prospective bidders were asked to clarify proposals they had previously submitted so council members could "compare apples to apples" this month. With another option to consider, discussion focused on what should be done next.

"We can table it, but sooner or later we have to come to a decision," said Mayor Josh Toft.

It was decided to allow Viking Industrial Painting to inspect the tower and tank, and develop a detailed plan outlining their recommendations.

"The more detailed you can be, the better," said Council Member Jim Virelli.

"Tell us what are you going to do, what it is going to cost and maybe an explanation of what you're doing," added Maintenance Superintendent Sherman Nielsen.

In other business, the council approved the FY22 street financial report. According to City Clerk Barb Fletcher, Royal received $44,493 in road use tax revenue and expended $44,305 for street-related purposes.

"That is good because some years we weren't spending that much," she noted. "The state doesn't want you to have a big balance in road use."

The city confirmed to the Iowa Department of Transportation that it will use the grant from the Living Roadway Trust Fund to purchase a chipper and chain saw. The amount awarded was $8,016.

Nielsen has ordered replacement curb stop valves. They cost approximately $50 more than those used in the past, but newer water shutoff valves do not require additional pipe during installation.

One water leak was recently found in a service valve. Nielsen feels there may be similar issues around town.

"They're the day-to-day leaks. It's a lot of little ones," he noted.