Council committee clears construction agreement permitting driveway on city water-tower site to enable ODOT access

The finance committee approved a construction agreement that will allow Albrecht Inc. to construct a driveway on the city’s South Court Street water-tower property. The driveway is needed so Albrecht can secure ODOT approval for a deceleration lane and controlled access on State Route 3.

Patrick explained the agreement will authorize Albrecht to enter city property and construct the driveway after the city previously granted an easement. He said some details in the draft agreement remained to be finalized with Albrecht’s attorney and would be completed before the next council meeting. Albrecht requested an emergency clause because the company wanted to start construction promptly.

A council member clarified the driveway was necessary for ODOT to allow the deceleration lane and other access controls; Patrick confirmed ODOT's approval was contingent on the driveway being constructed and other traffic control measures being in place. Patrick also said Albrecht will install centerline delineators at the Route 3 entrance to make the access right-turn-in/right-turn-out only.

Action: Finance committee moved to approve the construction agreement including an emergency clause; the motion carried on a voice vote. The committee minutes record "All in favor? Aye. Motion carries." Staff noted the existing driveway to the South Court water-tower site will be removed once the new entrance is complete and that final contract details will be settled with the company’s attorney prior to forwarding to full council for final action.

The committee did not supply a detailed construction schedule in the discussion recorded in the transcript.