With the underground metal pilings in place for support, city officials are now prepared to advertise bids on the remaining 11 construction packages for the downtown convention center.

On Tuesday, the Natchez Board of Aldermen approved a request by Carothers Construction Company to begin advertisement on the bulk of the construction bids.

Contractor Johnny Waycaster said the final plans and speculations for the center are complete, including packages for general construction, mechanical work, electrical work, installation of elevators and various other components.

Since a large number of bids are anticipated, the board voted to allow the bids to be opened by representatives from the engineering department and the construction company on Oct. 19, a few days prior to the aldermen’s Oct. 24 meeting when the bids will be awarded.

Once the bids are awarded, Waycaster said construction can begin Oct. 30 to meet the projected completion date of November 2001.

Tourism Director Walter Tipton said he cannot begin booking for the convention center until the bids are awarded.

Other bids awarded Tuesday were installation of lighting for the Duncan Park tennis courts to Georgetown Construction for $35,000, and general supplies for the public works department to various low bidders.

The aldermen also voted to enter into a contract with Byrne Insurance Agency of Natchez to insure Natchez Transit for $30,944.

Sabrena Bartley, public transportation director, said the Byrne bid is about $600 more than last year.

City Clerk Donnie Holloway said he spoke with representatives of Byrne and several other local insurance agencies who all said the insurance market is &uot;tightening up,&uot; because carriers are becoming more difficult to find.

In other business, the aldermen:

4Voted to begin advertisement for contracts for waste pickup and disposal service. The current contract with Waste Management expires at the end of November.

4Extended renovation of the Natchez Senior Citizen Multi-Purpose Center for seven days.

James Johnston, Natchez Community and Economic Development coordinator, said the renovations, which were scheduled to end in January, are near completion.

4Tabled a proposed ordinance to rezone property located on South Canal Street from residential to general business until complaints from members of the adjoining Union Baptist Church can be addressed.