Somerville extends Kleinfelder contract through Dec. 31, 2028, for Morrison Avenue linear storage sewer design

The Somerville Finance Committee on Oct. 21 recommended approval of a time‑only extension through Dec. 31, 2028, for Kleinfelder Northeast Inc. to continue design services on the Morrison Avenue linear storage sewer project.

Richard Reich, director of Infrastructure and Asset Management, said the council had previously approved funding for the next phase of final design and bidding for the Morrison Avenue project, which is intended as flood mitigation and infrastructure renewal along Morrison Avenue. Reich said the project will also allow the city to retire an old, damaged pipe under the community path, a known risk.

"That's a flood mitigation and infrastructure renewal project, as it sort of says along Morrison Avenue. Also, will allow us to retire an old and what we know is damaged pipe on the community path. That's a big risk for us," Reich said. Kleinfelder completed the preliminary design and staff negotiated scope and fee for final design; the extension preserves continuity for that work.

The committee laid the item on the table to recommend approval; the clerk read the consolidated motion and the roll call recorded unanimous approval.

Clarifying details: the extension is time only to Dec. 31, 2028; the project is a flood‑mitigation and infrastructure renewal project on Morrison Avenue and includes retiring damaged pipe on the community path; staff previously negotiated scope and fee for final design and bidding and funding for the next phase has been approved.