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Newton awards North Shipp Ave water main contract, approves engineering funds for local water and culvert repairs
Summary
The Newton City Council awarded a $290,437 contract to Iron Mountain Company to replace a 1‑inch water line on North Shipp Ave, approved an intent to reimburse from borrowing, and adopted budget amendments to fund engineering for W. F St ($17,900) and the W. 24th St culvert ($48,900) after staff reported low pressure and an imminent sinkhole risk.
The Newton City Council unanimously approved a package of water‑and‑streets infrastructure actions Sept. 1, awarding a low‑pressure correction contract on North Shipp Ave, approving reimbursement intent for borrowing, and authorizing engineering funds for two additional local repairs.
Public Works and Utilities Director Dusty Wentz told council that the 2000 block of North Shipp Ave had seen pressure fall below the 30 psi required to maintain positive distribution pressure and prevent backflow. The existing service ran through a 1‑inch galvanized line serving six homes, so staff solicited bids to replace about 600–620 feet with a 6‑inch main, add a fire hydrant and replace street pavement. Four bids were received; staff and McGill Associates recommended Iron Mountain Company, Inc. as the lowest qualified responsive bidder. Council awarded the contract for the replacement work to Iron Mountain Company for $290,437 and approved an intent to reimburse the project from borrowing so the city can move forward before the original bids expire.
Wentz and staff said the base bid plus Alternate #1 (complete mill and overlay), engineering fees of $36,063 and a $30,000 contingency would bring the total project cost to an estimated $356,500. Council approved the award and the reimbursement intent unanimously.
Separately, City Manager Todd Clark asked council to approve a $17,900 budget amendment to pay McGill Associates for engineering and permitting to replace a 1‑inch line that currently serves about seven homes on W. F St. Council approved that amendment unanimously.
Wentz also described an emergency condition at N. Frye near W. 24th St where a failed 72‑inch corrugated metal pipe culvert had created a sinkhole and put the roadway at risk. The Wooten Company submitted a proposal for $48,900 to provide engineering and bid documents for culvert replacement. Council approved a $48,900 budget amendment to fund that engineering work and directed staff to return with bids for construction.
Council indicated staff will return with bid results and further direction on construction contracts; the engineering approvals allow the city to prepare competitive bids and preserve public safety by moving design work forward.
