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Council rejects golf‑cart bridge bids, approves Hilltop Road contract and stormwater budget moves
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Summary
After rejecting wide-ranging bridge bids, the council directed staff to explore lower-cost alternatives for golf‑cart bridges, approved a $323,022.53 contract award to CRW Land Services for Hilltop Road Phase 2 and passed a budget amendment to fund the Fairway Drive/Tomahawk stormwater project with a $75,000 county grant and town funds.
The Town of Black Mountain council voted April 13 to reject the existing bids for golf‑cart bridges at the municipal golf course and to pursue lower-cost alternatives, while also awarding a separate road contract and approving stormwater budget moves.
Staff recommended rejecting the current bridge bids after the lowest fully scoped quotes remained far above expectations; council approved the motion to reject and discussed quicker, cheaper options such as drop‑in prefabricated bridge sections and negotiating local piecemeal work rather than a turnkey, high‑cost contract. A staff presentation noted prefab drop‑in bridges could materially reduce cost per unit but engineering and abutment work and delivery remain factors.
Separately, the council voted to award the Hilltop Road Phase 2 construction contract to CRW Land Services LLC for $323,022.53. Staff said the project is funded through a state capital grant and that FEMA reimbursement will follow once construction is complete.
On stormwater, the council approved a capital-project ordinance and a budget amendment to fund the Fairway Drive/Tomahawk Avenue stormwater project, which is under construction and expected to finish within weeks. The project uses a $75,000 Buncombe County grant and town stormwater funds for the balance; staff noted some unanticipated drainage issues (including a previously unmapped spring and a culvert sizing question) may require change orders.
Why it matters: Reopening the golf course is an economic and recreational priority for the town and reducing bridge costs could accelerate reopening, while awarding the Hilltop Road contract and advancing stormwater work addresses infrastructure and recovery needs. FEMA reimbursements and careful engineering remain central to final costs.
Next steps: Staff will pursue prefabricated bridge options, negotiate with local contractors where feasible, manage the Hilltop Road contract through mobilization and contract execution, and return with budget details on any required change orders for the stormwater work.
