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Council honors prior commitment, approves $61,370 8‑inch water main at Portico Simpson
Summary
The council approved a $61,370 installation of an 8‑inch water main that the city had committed to in 2018, citing both legal and public‑safety reasons for fulfilling the original resolution.
The Fairhope City Council approved a request for quotes award for labor and materials to install an 8‑inch water main at Portico Simpson for a not‑to‑exceed cost of $61,370.
Mayor Sherry Sullivan explained the work traces to a city commitment made in February 2018 to install an 8‑inch fire‑flow main; the 2018 estimate was about $21,000, and the cost has risen since then. Staff and the mayor told the council the city had legal counsel review and that although there is some legal flexibility, the city should honor the earlier resolution to install the line.
Council members debated the payment obligation and whether the city remained legally bound; one councilmember said the city had an obligation to follow through on the written resolution. The mayor noted the area presently has adequate fire flow but that the line will be needed when the referenced phase of development comes online.
After discussion the council approved the award to W. R. Mitchell Contractor for not to exceed $61,370. The action was described as unbudgeted but necessary to meet the prior commitment and to ensure adequate fire protection for future development.
Staff will proceed with the installation once the contract is executed and will coordinate budgeting and any required transfers to cover the expense.
