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Council hears detailed stormwater update; Freeman Road rework blamed on subcontractor failures
Summary
Staff updated council on stormwater projects (Hatchery Branch, Freeman Road, Kohler, retention ponds), reported contractor nonconformance on Freeman Road leading to rework and fines, and outlined additional local funding needs for the Kohler leg.
City staff and engineers briefed the council on ongoing stormwater projects across Neosho, including the Hatchery Branch, Freeman Road, and the Kohler/Valley Street leg, and described construction problems and funding gaps.
Richard presented maps and explained the sequence of work: crews will finish the Hatchery Branch, then proceed to the leg that runs from Wheeler down past the church toward Lincoln and Adams and across Kohler and Valley Street. Staff cautioned that some road closures and temporary access changes are required but said they have tried not to block residents’ driveways.
On Freeman Road, staff reported that some construction work did not follow specifications and must be redone. Richard explained Asbel (prime contractor) used a subcontractor for curb and gutter work that failed to meet specs; he said fines for the subcontractor will begin and engineers will not accept substandard work. The transcript records Richard stating, “Freeman Road…they didn't follow the specs on part of the construction, so they're having to redo part of it.” Staff indicated expected completion timelines and that MoDOT is involved in oversight and ultimate acceptance of the road work.
Staff also outlined cost updates from recent bids: an extension required roughly $1.4 million more than previously budgeted, and the Kohler segment is expected to cost about $1.4 million; local funds will be required to close the gap. Staff said they will present a local-funding proposal in May and noted MoDOT may be able to contribute a limited amount from its maintenance budget but cannot participate in a cost-share for bids already issued.
On retention ponds, staff said engineers indicated the Waldo Hatler ponds would produce a substantial reduction in Harmony Street flooding; the consultant described a predicted reduction “by 11 to 12” (transcript phrasing) without providing explicit units in the record.
Staff and council agreed to continue coordination with MoDOT and to return with detailed funding breakdowns and timelines for upcoming bid and construction phases.
