Concord council authorizes master plan contract, a $33M AMI rollout and housing‑bond approval for Norcutt Mills

At its Nov. 15 meeting, the Concord City Council approved multiple finance and contract actions intended to advance capital projects, housing and utility modernization.

Master plan update: Council authorized staff to proceed with a master plan update contract negotiated with Talbot Brite and Ellington for a total fee of $1,539,225.83. City staff told council that the fee would be funded 100% with grant funds and would not require a local appropriation.

Norcutt Mills housing bonds: The council gave primary approval by resolution to issuance of multifamily housing revenue bonds to support Norcutt Mills, a proposed affordable housing project described in staff materials as 112 units with bonds not to exceed $17,000,000. Staff said the bond issuance would be a pass-through to the developer and would not affect the city's bond rating. Council moved and approved the resolution to allow staff to proceed with the financing steps.

Utility and infrastructure contracts: Staff recommended awarding a contract to InSituform Technologies, LLC in the amount of $1,533,515.20 for cured-in-place pipe installation and manhole rehabilitation in the Lyles Lane area after the apparent lowest bidder presented issues; council approved proceeding with the second-lowest responsible bidder.

Separately, council approved authorization to negotiate and execute a contract with WESCO for a comprehensive Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) replacement program with an estimated funding request of about $33,000,000 (approximately $12.5M for electric-related expenses and $20.5M for water-related expenses). Council discussed the long lead time for meter replacement and the eight‑year procurement and planning process; a councilmember who had followed the item closely expressed confidence the system could be implemented.

Sewer application and consent items: Staff presented a preliminary application from Blue Pure Life LLC for sewer service outside the city limits at 309 D'Lien Drive (Area B); staff recommended proceeding to final application excluding annexation and council approved that step. The consent agenda items were approved as presented.

Next steps: Staff will proceed with contract negotiations, finalize bond documentation for Norcutt Mills and continue public communications about project timelines and funding sources.

Quotes from the meeting are included where speakers discussed program purposes and funding.