Lafayette approves water contracts, takes bids in advisement and waives historic demolition waiting periods after safety concerns

Lafayette City leaders on Tuesday approved a series of utility contracts and amendments, took demolition bids in advisement and waived a 60-day demolition waiting period for two properties in the Centennial National Historic District after city staff and the developer cited safety concerns.

The actions affect water infrastructure contracts, a lead service line replacement project, a Glick Wellfield contract amendment paid with American Rescue Plan funds, and two demolition requests at 700 and 708 North Fifth Street where officials said boarded buildings were attracting trespassers.

The approvals included a $4,105.11 change order that reduced the Caldwell Tanks contract for the We All Ridge elevated tank project from $5,635,400 to $5,631,294.89, and a $5,311,130 award to Atlas Excavating Incorporated for phase 1 of the lead service line replacement project. The board also approved a notice to proceed on the Atlas contract effective the day of the meeting.

Steve Moore, superintendent, Lafayette Water Works, presented the Caldwell Tanks change order and recommended approval, saying the change order “reduces the original contract price from $5,635,400 to $5,631,294.89.” The motion to approve was moved and seconded and carried.

The board approved amendment number 2 to the contract with Wesler Engineering Incorporated for the Glick Wellfield improvements, increasing that contract by $67,900 for additional construction administration and resident project representative time and bringing the total to $360,900. The amendment will be paid using ARP funds allocated to the…