Public works director outlines sinkhole response and stormwater projects; commission moves to formalize use of vacant lot behind Channel 10

Acting public works director Jeff Odoms told the commission he had obtained video from the original contractor and contracted Southeastern Engineering to televise pipelines and excavate the depression on Southwest 52nd Avenue. "We have their contract for piggyback to be able to have them televised and then initiate excavation so we can investigate exactly what's happening and make those repairs," Odoms said; staff is working to finalize the purchase order and begin work in the next couple of weeks.

Odoms also reported the 20 Fifth Street stormwater project has been awarded to Southeastern and that the contractor has submitted submittals; construction and excavation are projected to begin at the end of September. He said the town is closing out multiple grants so that the town becomes eligible for further infrastructure funding.

On a longstanding site behind the Channel 10 facility used by a contractor, commissioners and staff agreed at the workshop to formalize the relationship. Town counsel and staff noted a 2015 resolution and a later hold-harmless agreement exist, but the commission asked administration to draft a simple license or similar instrument (annual renewal recommended) to clarify insurance, indemnity and access rather than rely on informal practice.

Why it matters: the sinkhole work, stormwater construction and clearer legal terms for town-owned property are all intended to reduce flooding risk, improve infrastructure reliability and limit town liability. Staff will return with purchase orders and a draft license agreement for the vacant lot.