Council approves change order to add valve so hospital can stay online during 16-inch water main tie-in

The McAlester City Council on May 20 approved a change order for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Albert Waterline Improvements project that adds a 16-inch insertion valve to the system and accounts for railroad delays.

Purpose and rationale: Public Works staff told the council the new valve will be cut into the existing 16-inch transmission main just south of the hospital and will permit contractors to isolate the tie-in point without shutting off the hospital. City presenters said some valves on the line are inoperable, and without the new valve crews would have to shut down large portions of the distribution system to complete the tie-in.

Cost and funding: The packet lists Change Order No. 2 at $63,818.70. During the discussion staff compared that to other emergency valve work that previously cost in the six-figure range and noted the DWSRF loan for the larger project will cover this work; the DWSRF is a loan program the city will repay over time.

Operational impact: Councilors emphasized the public-safety imperative of maintaining hospital water service. The change order also adds schedule days due to railroad delays affecting the underground crossing work. Staff said the installed valve is a permanent asset that increases system resiliency and will help isolate the hospital if future outages occur.

Vote and next steps: The council approved the change order by roll call and directed Public Works and the contractor to coordinate the live valve cut-in, timing and notification to the hospital and other stakeholders.