The Elkhart City Board of Works approved multiple actions on July 1 related to wastewater projects: a $20,828 amendment to Donahue & Associates’ agreement for the 2019 wastewater treatment expansion, ratification of a $1,579,879 partial payment to Selj Construction for the Oakland combined-sewer overflow (CSO) tank, and contracts with financial and legal advisers to support an estimated $35 million–$40 million State Revolving Fund (SRF) revenue bond issuance for Oakland phases C and D.

Tory Irwin of Public Works said amendment No. 5 to Donahue & Associates’ professional services agreement adds $20,828 to close out extra time and effort the consultant expended because of project extensions; the amendment brings that contract total to $4,455,853. Irwin said staff discovered additional SRF funds from an earlier loan that cover the charge.

The board ratified partial payment request No. 4 to Selj Construction, $1,579,879, drawn from SRF loan WW24182006 for ongoing construction on the Oakland CSO tank project; staff described the payment as a standard progress payment.

Separately, the board authorized execution of agreements with Baker Tilly to serve as financial adviser and Burns & Thornburg to serve as bond counsel for the Oakland Phase C and D 2025 sewer revenue bond issuance and parity report. Tory Irwin said the issuance work will proceed in the fourth quarter and estimated total financing need at about $35 million to $40 million; the city did not qualify in rankings but staff intends to move forward in Q4.

The board approved both the Baker Tilly advisory agreement and the Burns & Thornburg bond counsel engagement by voice vote; motions carried with members present voting aye.