Council approves $1.4M funding and McGill engineering for urgent W. 15th Street waterline replacement

Public Works and Utilities Director Dusty Wentz told the council the existing 6‑inch water main on W. 15th Street and N. Deal had tuberculated to the point that service pressures at customer meters did not meet the city’s permit requirements and that required fire flow could not be achieved. Given nearby construction at Newton‑Conover High School and the location’s sensitivity, staff characterized replacement as an emergency.

Wentz said the work will replace approximately 2,125 feet of 6‑inch main on W. 15th Street and 675 feet on N. Deal, and will include about 45 water taps and laterals. He reported a total project estimate of about $1,400,000 and recommended McGill & Associates for engineering and construction phase services under a $332,000 proposal. Because the work was not in the FY2024 budget, staff recommended including the project in the year’s borrowing package and approving an intent‑to‑reimburse resolution so engineering can begin immediately.

Council adopted the budget ordinance amendment for $1.4 million, approved the McGill engineering award, and approved the intent to reimburse. Council members voted unanimously on these motions. City staff said staff will return with contract and financing details as the borrowing package is finalized.