Council approves $5,000 amendment to Volker engineering contract to rebid John Ross Road resurfacing

The East Ridge City Council on March 20 approved a first amendment to the professional engineering services agreement with Volker Inc. to add $5,000 so the city can rebid the John Ross Road resurfacing project.

A staff presentation said the resurfacing project is part of a Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) local programs grant awarded around 2014-2015. Staff said the original Volker contract covered a single bidding phase; when the city opened bids in January 2025, submitted prices exceeded available budget by about $600,000.

To reduce the construction estimate, staff reported the city coordinated with the wastewater authority (WWTA) to address manhole raising and lowering outside the city's upfront costs; that arrangement reduced the estimated cost and made rebidding attractive. The amendment to Volker's contract adds the fee required for an additional bidding phase.

A council member raised concerns about prior utility trenching and street cuts on John Ross Road and urged continued enforcement to avoid recurring pavement failures after resurfacing. Staff said the resurfacing contract is limited to pavement work and that existing utility cuts will be addressed in the resurfacing process; they also said the city may consider limiting future street cuts in certain areas.

The council approved resolution 3,669 on a unanimous roll-call vote.

Resolution: East Ridge City Council Resolution 3,669 (first amendment to professional engineering services agreement with Volker Inc.).

Vote: Resolution 3,669 passed unanimously.