Assembly authorizes aquatic center sewer repair to go to bid with summer 2026 construction timeline

The Petersburg Borough Assembly voted 6-0 Monday to send the Aquatic Center Sewer Line Repair Project out to bid, with Parks and Recreation Director Payne outlining a timeline that targets substantial completion before the start of the school year.

Director Payne told the assembly the design work included a plumbing designer and a scoping inspection by the wastewater department to locate voids and pipe settlement beneath locker-room drains. Payne said some lines, particularly in the family locker room, are completely blocked by rocks and have not provided water for almost two years.

Payne said the borough prefers a construction start date of June 1, 2026, so the bulk of concrete cutting and other disruptive work can be done during the annual closure. “I would like for the project to start in next year, next June 1,” Payne said. He proposed a substantial completion date of Aug. 8, 2026, with final completion roughly a week later to ensure work is finished before school begins.

Assembly members asked whether the proposed repairs address supports for piping and whether the work will fix leaks and plumbing failures inside the building; Payne said supports would be added to tie the new piping into the building structure and that the project is intended to address the plugs and settling. Member Lehi pressed how the plans were verified; Payne said a plumbing designer and internal scoping informed the design.

The motion to send the project to bid was moved and seconded during the meeting; a roll call showed unanimous approval by the six members present.

Bids will be solicited from qualified contractors; the packet includes bid documents and specifications provided by the borough’s design team. The assembly did not amend the proposed timeline or scope during the meeting.