Council declares emergency, authorizes $53,376 for failed culvert replacement at Marcia Court

The council declared an emergency and approved immediate work to replace a failed stormwater culvert segment at Marcia Court, between Chablis Court and Gabriel Drive, and awarded a $53,376 contract to CNS Site Prep Inc.

Public Works Director Kyle Coacher told the council crews had televised and probed the line over the past year, and that recent storm events had caused stormwater to "stage up, past the crown of the road and now into the aprons of the property owners at that intersection." He said jetting and root cutting had not cleared the obstruction and the pipe segment of roughly 80 feet needs removal and replacement. Coacher said the town had attempted cleaning and the site presents access difficulties that make a traditional 30-day bidding process risky if another storm arrives before repairs.

"We consider this an emergency," Coacher said during his presentation. Councilmembers asked about surveying, geotechnical work and the potential need to remove roots or trees; Coacher said staff had probed and televised the line and expected to coordinate with property owners on any tree removal. He estimated construction could be completed "about a week or so" once materials were received; mobilization and sourcing of pipe could follow standard lead times from regional suppliers.

The council adopted emergency ordinance 04-25 (read by title) to appropriate $53,376 from the stormwater fund balance and then voted 5-0 to approve an agreement with CNS Site Prep Inc. for the emergency work. The town manager said staff told the selected contractor the town would seek to have work done quickly to minimize homeowner impacts.

A homeowner (Alan Lee) who lives near the location was noted in the record as asking for prompt completion; staff said they had been in contact with affected residents.