Council authorizes engineering work for Highway 30 Second South integration, not to exceed $75,000

The Soda Springs City Council voted to engage an engineering firm to prepare design drawings and integrate the city’s utility plans with the Idaho Department of Transportation’s Highway 30 Second South project.

A councilmember moved to engage the firm the council discussed (referred in the meeting as "Forest Grinch"/"Forest Grant"/"Forsgren" in remarks) to produce survey work, piping centerline drawings, and a scope and schedule for coordination with the state. The motion directed staff to acquire a formal engineering proposal and capped the engagement at a not-to-exceed amount of $75,000 contingent on verification of the engineering estimate.

Council discussion emphasized the time-sensitive nature of coordinating city utility maps and prints with state work. One councilmember said the city needed to move quickly because "the state is going to do what they're going to do with or without us." Another urged that the selected firm provide a specific scope, schedule and budget for the next meeting.

On a voice vote, councilmembers approved the motion. The meeting record shows multiple "Aye" responses; the chair called the motion approved and directed staff to return with a written proposal and schedule from the selected firm.

The council discussed alternatives and noted that other local engineering firms could have been asked for proposals but urged speed because survey and prints are required within weeks. Staff said survey crews were available and that a design package was ready to be put to bid once funding sources are clear.

The motion covers design and surveying work only; the city did not commit to construction funding at this meeting. Staff will return with the firm’s formal scope, timeline and cost estimate for council review.