City approves I‑14 water/wastewater contract with Bell Contractors and development agreement with Dog Ridge

The council approved a construction contract to extend water and wastewater infrastructure along I‑14/US‑190 and authorized a companion development agreement to reimburse Dog Ridge Water Supply Corporation for construction administration and inspection costs.

BEDC/BEDC presenter Cynthia outlined the project’s purpose: to remove infrastructure barriers and spur commercial development along I‑14. The design by KPA and MRB called for a 10‑inch water line from FM 1670 north to I‑14 and an 8‑inch tie into existing infrastructure; wastewater segments were bid as add‑alternates. Bids opened Oct. 31 with 12 contractors participating and the lowest total bid about $2.7 million compared with an earlier estimate of $3.6 million. BEDC and staff recommended awarding the construction contract to local Bell Contractors.

Council approved the construction award and authorized the BEDC executive director to execute the contract and associated change orders within state law limits. Council then approved Item 21, a development agreement that reimburses Dog Ridge up to $91,500 for engineering, inspection and construction administration; Dog Ridge will perform on‑site inspection, accept the project upon completion and maintain the waterline going forward. One council member recorded concern on the record about paying another entity to perform obligations they 'should' perform, but the motion to approve the reimbursement passed unanimously.

Staff emphasized coordination with Dog Ridge, existing non‑annexation development agreements for properties in the project area, and a five‑mile Fort Cavazos radius that limits property owners’ ability to opt out of the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction. BEDC said funding is available in the BEDC capital fund and that design, easement acquisition and timing were all considered in recommending construction now rather than delaying.