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Council authorizes appraisal, bond for water well eminent domain and approves multiple water-related invoices
Summary
City staff presented an urgent water infrastructure update; the council authorized hiring an appraiser and posting a cash bond of up to $10,000 to support eminent domain for a new water well, and approved multiple outstanding plumbing and pump rental invoices to keep water services running.
City staff told the Helena City Council that the city needs to secure a small parcel to complete a new water well project and asked the council to authorize two steps to keep the project moving: hire an appraiser to value the parcel and authorize posting a cash bond to support imminent domain proceedings while negotiations continue with the Boys and Girls Club of Phillips County, Arkansas.
"We need that as the city to own that in order for the health department to grant us the go ahead and operate the way or once it is completed," the presenting staff member said, explaining why fee-simple ownership of the parcel is necessary. Staff recommended a cash bond of $10,000 to keep eminent domain proceedings active while negotiations continue.
The council voted to authorize the appraisal and to allow posting a cash bond not to exceed $10,000. Staff described the parcel as a roughly 30-by-30-foot area (approximately 900 square feet) and offered a working valuation example of about $1 per square foot used for budgeting discussion.
Council members also considered payment for outstanding contractor invoices related to water-loss repairs. Staff asked for authorization to pay multiple pending invoices from Delta Plumbing (several invoices described in the record totaling about $12,000) and a second plumbing vendor identified in the agenda materials (described in the record as roughly $17,000–$18,000 in total). Staff said those payments will be processed as cash flow and budget authority allow; motions to approve payment authorization were made and recorded.
Separately, the council approved a Xylem rental invoice of $9,570.85 for bypass pumps used at sewer/pond sites. Staff said rental and parts are required to keep pump stations functioning while longer-term repairs proceed.
Council members also discussed two past loans from the Arkansas Department of Agriculture related to sewer-pond work (originating in 2018 and 2020); staff said those were approved in prior administrations and that payment would follow the loan terms. The council discussed, but did not finalize, an amended 2023 budget resolution; members suggested waiting for audit clarifications before acting on the budget item.
Staff updated the council on an RFQ for engineering services tied to an $11 million financing package: the RFQ had limited initial responses, was republished more broadly, and staff warned that project timing could affect eligibility for the funds. Staff said they would continue to report back on RFQ responses and funding eligibility.
