Board authorizes $2.15M GMP for St. James water improvements; sewer ordinance amendments approved

County utility staff presented proposed updates to the sewer‑use ordinance (clarifying connection requirements, low‑pressure sewer extension rules and exceptions) and sought authorization of a contract price amendment for water infrastructure work near St. James.

Staff described the package of ordinance changes that expand connection provisions for duplexes and multifamily structures, allow certain gravity or low‑pressure connections beyond conventional right‑of‑way distances with director discretion, and add exceptions for small subdivisions created before Nov. 1, 2025. After a brief public hearing (no speakers came forward), the board approved the ordinance amendments.

Separately, staff requested authorization to execute contract price amendment No. 1 with State Utility Contractors establishing a guaranteed maximum price of $2,153,500 to construct Phase 1 work: connecting a gap in the 211 waterline and adding interconnections inside the St. James development to improve pressure and service. Staff explained one originally planned extension (Middleton Road) has easement/permitting issues and will be evaluated later. The board approved the GMP; public comments from commissioners noted Saint James provided roughly $1.9 million toward the work.

Next steps: staff will finalize contract documents and proceed with Phase 1 construction under the progressive design‑build arrangement; remaining items will be revisited as easements and permitting allow.