EGF Civic Center overhaul on the way

The East Grand Forks City Council has put out bid to overhaul of Civic Center.

Council member Henry Tweten said the place needs more toilets because people were peeing in the grass the other weekend.

Council member Clarence Vetter annoyed funds would come out of Water and Light. You want lower rates but you keep taking money, he complains.

Mayor Lynn Stauss says one of Water and Light's missions is to take care of city buildings.

Whether Water and Light pays is still a decision for the future. For now, the city is just putting out the bid. One potential argument against using utility fees: fees are a kind of regressive tax on residents. The argument for: Water and Light has plenty of moola and wouldn't need it all. Otherwise, it's property tax hike time.

Here's what the city would get for the estimated $750,000 cost:

1) Waterproofed foundation with new drainage system. The place has been leaching water for years.

2) Outside metal paneling and insulation. Leaching water and moisture meant repainting every summer.

3) More toilets and better accessibility for the disabled.

4) New HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system. There's a reason those locker rooms didn't smell so nice.