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Friendswood EDC authorizes $53,000 to AT&T to finish design estimate for burying downtown lines
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Summary
The Friendswood Downtown Economic Development Corporation voted to authorize an additional $53,000 payment to AT&T so the company can complete a $68,000 design estimate to remove and bury communication lines along FM 518; staff will present the item to city council on May 5.
The Friendswood Downtown Economic Development Corporation voted to authorize an additional $53,000 to AT&T so the phone company can finish a cost estimate to relocate and bury overhead communication lines in the downtown FM 518 corridor.
Staff member Steven told the board AT&T originally estimated $15,000 for the design but, after further review, its design team concluded “FM 518 is very busy underneath the right of way, and they foresee a whole lot more field work, and a whole lot more design work” and is requesting an additional $53,000 to complete the estimate. Steven told the board the total estimate request would amount to $68,000 and that the design-cost payment would be deducted from the final construction contract if the city proceeds.
Board members raised concern about the sequence of cost increases — “started at 0, then it went to 15,000 and now the request for an additional 53,000” — and asked staff to secure a more detailed line-item invoice from AT&T for the council file. Board member (speaker 5) moved to authorize the $53,000, the chair seconded, and the motion passed unanimously. Steven said staff will include the line-item backup with the item when it goes to City Council on May 5.
The board heard staff say there is no alternative vendor for removal because the lines are owned by AT&T, and that the additional design and field work reflect the complexity under the FM 518 right-of-way. The board asked staff to ensure sufficient documentation for the file and to notify members about the council presentation.
