Newton council selects The Wooten Company to design Clark Creek wastewater plant expansion

Newton City Council voted unanimously on Nov. 9 to select The Wooten Company as the engineering consultant for design-phase services on the Clark Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant rehabilitation and expansion.

Public Works and Utilities Director Dusty Wentz told council staff ran a two-round request-for-qualifications process that produced three submittals and interviews with the top two firms. Wentz said staff evaluated firms on qualifications, management, ability to address local needs and experience with state and federal grants and permitting. He said Wooten was chosen “based particularly on the customization of their design approach, understanding of the project requirements, quality control processes, and inclusion of knowledge of all permitting agencies in relation to the project.”

Council Member Ed Sain moved approval of the selection; Council Member Jerry Hodge seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. The selection covers design-phase services only; staff said the design and permitting phase will take at least two years and that the city will pursue federal grant compliance where applicable.

Wentz said staff will negotiate a contract for services with The Wooten Company and that any contract and related budget ordinance will be returned to council for formal approval. The project was discussed in the context of broader sewer planning: City staff noted about 2 million gallons per day of sewer demand could be projected on Highway 16 to Buffalo Shoals at full buildout, which underscores the need for capacity planning tied to the plant expansion.

The decision advances the city’s plan to rehabilitate and expand the Clark Creek plant; Council did not vote on a construction contract or final budget at this meeting. Next steps are contract negotiations between staff and The Wooten Company and later council consideration of the negotiated contract and a budget ordinance for design services.