Zoning committee approves Volker Phase 2 engineering contract and outlines enterprise-zone priorities

The zoning committee approved a Phase 2 engineering services contract with Volker for development work on the last seven lots south of the ditch in the business park, with a not-to-exceed price of $57,000.

Staff explained that the contract is higher than initially expected because it includes geotechnical work for a large box culvert that had not been budgeted previously; that geotechnical component added roughly $15,000 to the fee. Committee members heard that the contractor will phase work to avoid duplicate mobilization and will do geotechnical testing for the culvert while on site.

Separately, staff and consultants reported on enterprise-zone discussions with the state and offered a list of roughly six areas under consideration, including the North and South Main corridors, the East Industrial Park and some older residential parcels. Committee members generally favored prioritizing industrial parks, business corridors and new residential construction over a renovation-only focus, and asked staff to query state program rules about rehabilitation thresholds (the transcript reflects a $50,000 materials threshold referenced by staff).

The Volker contract motion passed by voice vote; staff will proceed under the not-to-exceed authorization and return with any necessary contract documents.

What happens next: Volker will begin the Phase 2 work, including geotechnical testing, and staff will report back on enterprise-zone eligibility and recommended priority areas for the council’s consideration.