Commission tables Roberts Civil Engineer proposal for utility coordination on multiple road projects

Staff presented a proposal from Roberts Civil Engineer LLC to provide utility design coordination and negotiations with utility companies for a package of road projects (Waddie Road, Elmer Thrift, Slash Pine, Banks Lane, Banks Road). The scope would include locating and protecting below‑ground county utilities, coordinating with Georgia Power and other utilities, and researching right-of-way ownership for relocation responsibility.

Staff said adding this coordination work would increase the engineering total from about $124,900 to roughly $166,900. Commissioners questioned whether the work should be bid or negotiated, whether the county should instead hire a dedicated inspector, and whether staff could negotiate a lower fee. One commissioner noted that failing to contract this coordination could delay projects and that Georgia Power often asserts longstanding prescriptive rights, which requires historical research.

After discussion, a motion was made and seconded to table the Roberts proposal so staff can attempt to negotiate a lower fee and advertise for an inspector; the board agreed to revisit the item at the next meeting if staff returns with revised pricing and a recommended path forward.

The motion to table was approved; no contract with Roberts was executed at the meeting.