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Sandpoint public works outlines wastewater reconstruction, Boyer culvert repairs and bond outreach
Summary
Public works staff updated the council on planning for a bonded reconstruction of the wastewater treatment plant, short-term bridge/bridge-equipment repairs and a near-term culvert failure at the Boyer Avenue city boundary.
City public works staff updated the Sandpoint City Council on an outreach plan for a possible fall bond election to reconstruct the wastewater treatment plant and on immediate repair needs at the Boyer Avenue culvert at the Bonner County boundary.
Holly Ellis, Public Works Director, said staff had engaged public relations and financial-bond counsel and planned a community survey, distributed by text, to gauge public support before placing a bond before voters this fall. "The purpose of the survey is to check the pulse of the community on where they are with the bond election for the wastewater treatment plant," staff said on the record.
Ellis also briefed the council on the Boyer Avenue culvert, which is “near collapsing” at the city boundary where the road meets Bonner County. The roadway was closed and a detour is in place via Schwitzer Cutoff and U.S. 95. Staff said surveyors have determined the culvert size and the city will procure the culvert and finalize a construction schedule with JEB engineers and the contractor.
On the larger wastewater program, staff reported progress on the preliminary engineering report (PER). Ellis said Stantec had provided third-party review comments and that the city and engineering consultant Keller were working to finalize the PER so design could proceed. Staff also identified near-term "bridge" (bridging) improvements needed now at the treatment plant: the belt press requires replacement and a screw press for solids handling is under consideration.
Wastewater staff emphasized the financial contingency: the full reconstruction is contingent on bond approval and on completing preliminary engineering. Council members asked about timing and the relationship between short-term repairs and the larger reconstruction program.
What's next: staff will run a two-week public survey, complete culvert procurement planning and bring a finalized PER to the council as design documents are completed. The city expects to continue outreach toward a potential fall bond election for wastewater plant reconstruction.
