Committee backs engineering work for Herman Street waterline tied to $100,000 grant

The committee on Jan. 20 recommended moving forward with engineering for the Herman Street waterline, asking staff to engage TWM, which is already working on an adjacent road project, to prepare plans and specifications.

"My recommendation is go with TWM because they're already doing the project," one committee member said, urging continuity between street and water-line engineering. Staff confirmed the town has secured a $100,000 grant that must be used for the waterline; members asked whether that amount will cover construction and were told it likely will not.

Committee members discussed phasing the work and obtaining bids to determine exact costs. "I can't even guess what those amounts are because the changes by the time of the year, how busy the contractors are," a staff member said, and added that the $100,000 engineering figure is an estimate pending formal bids.

The chair asked staff to prepare a resolution for the next council meeting to authorize engineering and to return with line-item pricing once bids are solicited. No formal construction contract was awarded at the meeting; the action was to approve moving forward with engineering and to place a resolution on next week's agenda.

Council members also discussed sewer depth, previous repairs on 4th Street, and the merits of televising sewer lines or hiring outside firms for more detailed inspections before construction. Staff was asked to collect multiple quotes for inspection and lining where appropriate.

Next steps: staff will ask TWM to prepare plans and specs, obtain bids, and report back with cost estimates and a proposed resolution for council action.