Council approves construction and engineering contracts for two North Area water tanks

The council authorized late-work construction and engineering agreements to build two partially buried potable water tanks in the north area, increasing east-side storage by 6,000,000 gallons and improving pressure stability and fireflow capacity.

Ken Rutt, director of water utilities, said modeling and prior site-planning identified the need for two 3,000,000-gallon tanks for the east service zone; early work began after the project received budgeted early-package funding and the city issued bonds in January 2026 to fund the remaining work. Garney Construction was selected as the contractor and Burns & McDonnell as the engineer; staff also recommended a geotechnical testing contract for independent soils review.

Staff described neighbor outreach including postcards, a December neighborhood meeting, and ongoing "coffee-and-donut" site sessions; Rutt said monthly meetings will continue because the site is close to residences. Council asked about construction phasing, inspector time on site and coordination with open-space and trails for trail restoration; staff said trail rebuild and final landscaping will be coordinated with open-space staff and is expected to be within the project scope.

Council approved the engineering amendment, the Garney Construction GMP amendment, and the geotechnical agreement unanimously. Staff estimated construction to take 30–36 months with close public engagement and routine construction oversight.

Next steps: Contracts are to be executed and staff will continue neighborhood outreach and coordinate with open-space and trails on final trail and landscape restoration.