Council approves contract to repair Stephanie Street reclaimed water pipeline; mayor abstains

The Henderson City Council voted to award a construction contract to Las Vegas Paving Corporation to repair a 24-inch reclaimed reclaimed-water pipeline on Stephanie Street, a project staff said is necessary to protect sewer capacity and return-flow credits.

Deputy Director of Utility Services Heidi Dexheimer told the council the steel pipeline, built about 35 years ago, has corroded in places and that repairs would likely begin in June with an anticipated completion before September 2027. "This pipeline was built about 35 years ago. It's steel and it needs some work," Dexheimer said, adding that the city plans trenchless lining, new access manways and pavement replacement to limit traffic impacts.

City Engineer Steven Connor said the roadway segment north of Warm Springs is in "complete failure" and described years of repeated patching in the corridor: "We spent over $135,000 just maintaining band-aids in the location," he told the council. Staff said ongoing bypass of reclaimed water into the sewer is pushing the sewer toward capacity and creating urgency to complete pipeline repairs now.

Several residents and labor representatives urged approval. "It's not just about the jobs. It's about the infrastructure," Lou DeSalvio, president of Labor's Local 872, told the council during public comment. Tommy Blitch, principal officer of Teamsters Local 631, said the project would provide work for local construction workers. Anne Barnett, CEO of the Nevada Contractors Association, said the project supports local employment and workforce initiatives.

Mayor Michelle Romero disclosed a potential conflict of interest and abstained from the vote, saying her husband and son work for Las Vegas Paving Corporation. Staff announced the motion carried "with the exception of Mayor Romero who abstained; all council members voted in favor," on a motion made by Councilwoman Larson.

Staff emphasized contract conditions to reduce public disruption: bidders must adhere to specified lane‑closure limits, preserve traffic flow at specified times and coordinate outreach with businesses and residents. Dexheimer noted the low bid was substantially lower than the second-low bid, and staff said rebidding risked losing a competitively priced contract.

The council’s approval authorizes the award to Las Vegas Paving Corporation; contract start and completion dates are dependent on final contracting and scheduling. The project will include utility and sewer rehabilitation work and modifications intended to reduce the likelihood of emergency repairs and related costs.