Council authorizes $102,211 emergency storm-drain repair after fire in Mojave Wash

Kingman City Council on Nov. 18 authorized emergency repairs to two 60-inch stormwater culverts discharging into Mojave Wash after a fire attributed to transient camping burned approximately 80 feet of plastic pipe.

City staff said the proposed scope includes removal and replacement of the burned and collapsed pipe sections and installation of a trash rack at the discharge point to restrict unauthorized entry and reduce future risk. The work will be completed using the City of Kingman job order contract ENG21-0084. Project cost was stated as $102,211; staff noted the cost was not included in the adopted budget and recommended using the stormwater fund for the emergency Harrod Avenue Basin improvements.

Councilor Ward asked whether suspects had been identified; staff said the police report showed no one apprehended or cited. Ward also questioned why the city would replace the burned plastic with plastic; staff explained that the entire stretch through the area (including through the Walmart parking lot to Sycamore) is constructed with plastic pipe and that replacement in kind is necessary for connections. Staff added that upstream drop inlets have grates and the proposed trash rack at the discharge will be bolted to prevent entry unless unbolted for authorized access.

Council moved and approved the authorization by voice vote.