Finance committee approves Gossett Construction contract for four stormwater repairs

The Homewood City Finance Committee voted 3-0 June 30 to authorize the city manager to sign a contract with Gossett Construction to perform four stormwater infrastructure repairs across the city.

Kale Smith (presenting staff) described the package as four projects: Murray Hill Road, a flume repair at 308 Grama Avenue (behind Shades Cahaba), College Avenue (follow-up to a prior project), and work on Kenilworth. Smith explained the Murray Hill location has a sag where street runoff ponds and then runs through a private driveway, causing erosion; planned work includes installing an inlet and piping to the existing inlet system. On Grama Avenue, staff described a lowered flume and a retaining-wall raise to direct stormwater into an inlet rather than private yards. For College Avenue, staff said earlier work is functioning but additional connections are needed. On Kenilworth, staff described gutter and inlet work intended to keep water in the street and the new infrastructure.

During the discussion a committee member asked whether the problems were longstanding or weather-driven; staff said the issues have been long-standing and intensified by recent rainfall. Committee members confirmed the projects were consolidated into one contract so they could be handled together rather than as separate small procurements.

A motion to approve the contract was made and seconded; the committee recorded the vote as “Aye. That is 3 to 0 to approve that contract.”

Staff said the projects are intended to reduce ponding, driveway erosion and backyard flooding by directing stormwater into the city’s installed drainage infrastructure.