The Manor City Council approved construction contracts for two waterline extension projects designed to loop and expand the city's water distribution system.

For the FM 973 North Waterline Extension, the council approved awarding the construction contract to Foresight Brothers Infrastructure LLC and authorized the city manager to execute a construction agreement in an amount not to exceed $666,449.29, the motion recorded in the meeting said. During discussion staff clarified that the bid award does not include the alternate bid for a different pipe type; the city selected the pipe specified in the base bid.

Pauline Gray, representing the project consultant, explained the alternate bid situation: “The alternate bid was the, we were looking at 2 different waterline types, so it does not include the alternate bid. The city, public works decided to go with the pipe that was in the base bid.” Public-works staff (identified in the transcript as Matt) described the practical difference between DR14 and DR18 pipe options: “The difference on those pipes is really the thickness... the DR14 is rated up to 305 PSI... the DR18 does go up to 235 PSI,” he told the council, noting the tradeoffs in strength and repair vulnerability.

A council member asked whether staff had worked with the low bidder before; Matt said he had experience with the company on smaller projects and described the contractor as “very thorough.” The FM 973 motion was approved in the meeting.

The council separately approved a construction contract for the U.S. 290 Waterline Extension. Staff described maps showing how the new line will extend past Greenberry and connect existing segments to create a loop serving the area near a new car wash and neighborhoods east of 290. Staff said project easements were obtained over several years and that the work will avoid closing lanes in most areas by using bore-under techniques where necessary.

A motion to award the U.S. 290 waterline extension to Forsyth Brothers Infrastructure LLC carried; the motion recorded the contract amount as “566,000 a $124” in the meeting transcript. Staff provided a 180-day construction timeline after notice to proceed; the contractor typically has 10 days after contract signing to provide required paperwork before work begins.

Votes at a glance for these items
FM 973 North Waterline Extension — Award to Foresight Brothers Infrastructure LLC — Contract amount (as stated in meeting): not to exceed $666,449.29 — Outcome: approved (motion recorded as passing in the meeting).
U.S. 290 Waterline Extension — Award to Forsyth Brothers Infrastructure LLC — Contract amount as stated in meeting: “566,000 a $124” (amount as recited in transcript) — Outcome: approved, recorded vote 7–0.

Council members asked staff to coordinate construction with property owners and businesses, and staff confirmed the project uses easements to avoid extended lane closures; where necessary staff said they will bore under driveways and parking areas to maintain access.

The council approved the awards during the same meeting that considered other infrastructure and development items; staff said the waterline work is consistent with the city’s previously adopted master water/wastewater plan.