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Saint Helena council approves storm-drain contract with 15% contingency, hears odor-control update
Summary
Council approved a public-works contract (consent item 10.3) after amending project contingency to 15% (alternate bid to return if needed). Public Works reported charcoal filters and a sealed hatch reduced odors at Cornell station though grease buildup remains an operational issue.
At the Oct. 28 meeting the Saint Helena City Council approved consent item 10.3, a storm-drain and pipeline contract, after amending the contingency amount. Council member Maher moved to adopt the item with a modification setting contingency at 15% (excluding Alternate Bid 1, which would return if needed); the motion was seconded and passed by roll call.
Public Works project manager Mario Traverso explained the project’s complexity: the pipeline connects to Caltrans facilities on Main Street, crosses private parcels and PG&E property, and includes an alternate bid option for the private‑parcel portion if negotiations with the property owner do not result in an agreement. Traverso said he recommended a 15% contingency because of potential complications due to system age and coordination with third parties.
Earlier in the consent discussion Traverso updated council on Cornell pump station odor mitigation: "We did install two odor control devices, charcoal filter ventilation devices, and then we did seal the hatch… I think it's been successful," he said, noting that grease buildup from a nearby restaurant remains a maintenance issue.
Recorded roll-call votes on item 10.3 and on item 10.2 were taken later in the meeting; the council recorded affirmative votes from the mayor, the vice mayor and council members on both items.
