Shelton council approves Parametrix design amendment for headworks upgrade funded by Commerce grant

The Shelton City Council on Tuesday approved a resolution authorizing the city manager to execute a contract amendment and sign a work order with Parametrix to continue design work on a headworks upgrade for the city’s wastewater facility.

Brent Armstrong, a public works staff member, told the council the project moved from an on‑call selection to a larger design contract after the granting agency allowed a modification to the procurement approach. "The granting agency allowed us to do that," Armstrong said, explaining the city went through an RFP process earlier in the year that had a $300,000 limit and that the amendment would raise available design funding to $600,000 to cover zoning costs he described as "408, $305.40."

The council adopted Resolution No. 1375‑0325 by voice vote. No individual roll‑call vote was recorded in the meeting minutes; the mayor called for the ayes and the motion carried.

The project is funded through a Department of Commerce grant, Armstrong said. He described the change as an administrative one to align the city’s contracting method with grant conditions and the higher estimated design costs.

Supporters said moving forward with an amended design contract will allow the city to continue required engineering work without pausing for a separate procurement. The council did not request additional changes to the scope at the meeting.

The action authorizes city staff to finalize the contract amendment and proceed with the Parametrix work order. The resolution text and the grant were read into the record during the business session.