Engineering reported on the Star Point construction project and told the council the new treatment plant is operating and treating actual sewage, but the project will likely need a contract extension beyond the original August completion date.

Engineering explained a sequencing problem: the laboratory cannot be relocated out of the existing control building until the new laboratory building is completed and the old building is demolished; because the flood wall work depends on demolition, flood-wall construction is delayed. Engineering said this sequencing creates a “catch-22” that prevents meeting the present contract date, and staff warned council not to be surprised if engineering requests a contract extension through the end of the calendar year at next month’s meeting.

Staff said the contractor and engineering proposed building out the laboratory in the office/garage building first to enable relocation, with an anticipated multi-day move (the speaker estimated a short weekend move when possible). Engineering noted the manufacturer of the UV equipment has committed to take corrective action to meet contract specifications. The report also said operating components of the new plant are beginning to function and that performance measures on the last page of the report show improving numbers.

Council did not take formal action; engineering flagged the extension as a likely forthcoming request and offered to answer questions from members.