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City awards $34,500 study change order to analyze Eaton tile drain options ahead of potential county drain petition
Summary
Council authorized a $34,500 contract amendment (total encumbered $40,000 including 15% contingency) with Spicer Group to expand survey and feasibility work on the Eaton tile watershed to evaluate upsizing or relief alternatives; staff said a county drain project with special assessment may be required.
Monroe City Council on Monday approved a change order that expands the scope of professional services for an engineering study of the Eaton tile drain watershed — an aging drainage system staff said was likely undersized for current sump‑pump and storm needs.
Director Patrick Lewis, engineering and public services, told council the Eaton tile originated as a farm tile and is roughly 20 inches in diameter while the neighborhood now drains into it with sump pumps, newer basements and additional impervious area. Early Spicer Group work indicated the watershed likely needs significantly larger pipe throughout much of the area; staff said one potentially lower‑cost alternative could be adding or doubling a relief line that currently runs out Grace Drive (a 30‑inch relief), or adding a relief along Fox Drive to outlet near city‑owned property at Waterloo Dam.
Lewis said the next phase requires a topographic survey of the roadways and utility depths, a full analysis of existing sanitary, storm and water mains and further feasibility work to identify elevation conflicts or utility impacts that could make an interceptor or relief option infeasible. The study results, Lewis said, would support a petition to the county drain commissioner if the city pursues a county drain project, and would also provide a rough cost estimate and an exhibit to document public necessity for the county process.
Council approved an amended professional services agreement with Spicer Group for $34,500 and authorized encumbering a total of $40,000 to include a 15 percent contingency for unforeseen items. The motion (moved by Councilperson Felder, supported by Councilperson Hader) passed unanimously on roll call.
Lewis said the Eaton tile watershed includes portions of the area sometimes referred to as the “W Streets” and also receives runoff from adjacent township neighborhoods; because of the interjurisdictional drainage, staff said a county drain project and potential special assessments for property owners could be part of a future funding plan.
Speakers quoted in this story spoke at the June 2 Monroe City Council meeting; direct quotes are from the engineering presentation and council roll call.
