Whiteland approves $48,500 HWC contract to map water system and advance asset management

The Whiteland Town Council on March 11 approved a $48,500 professional services agreement with HWC Engineering to create a GIS map of the town's water utility infrastructure, a step staff said is needed for an asset management plan.

Carmen, speaking for town staff, said HWC prepared a quote to "GPS our system" and that the fee will be paid from water improvement funds. "The fee is $48,500, which we get paid for water and improvement," she said. Council members asked how the water GIS will integrate with a separate sewer GIS project; staff said different consultants will produce separate layers that can be overlaid in the town's GIS system and that the town subscribes to Esri for hosting and field mapping.

Council members raised implementation questions, including how buried valves and hydrant valves that are not visible will be located, and whether crews will check and locate private laterals and meter pits. Staff and the consultant said fieldwork will include locating devices and that the contractor will track missing items; the town may assist to reduce duplicate effort.

Council approved the professional services agreement and directed staff to finalize the contract. The item passed on a recorded roll call vote.

The agreement funds mapping of existing infrastructure into the town's GIS, enabling staff to overlay streets, mains, valves and other assets and to use the tool for maintenance planning and grant applications. Staff noted the work is a step toward a full asset management plan for water; sewer asset-management work will be completed by a separate contractor.

Votes at a glance: professional services agreement with HWC, $48,500, approved by roll call vote.