Williston approves engineering task orders and right-of-way dedication for 6th Avenue West; AE2S to start Chinaman Coulee culvert design

The Williston Board of City Commissioners approved a set of engineering task orders Oct. 8 to keep a slate of street and drainage projects moving toward the 2025 construction season and authorized the start of design work on a Chinaman Coulee box culvert planned for bidding in 2027.

City Engineer David Juma asked the commission to approve Alliance Consulting Task Orders 24-3, 24-4, 24-5 and 24-6 so staff can complete design packages for projects included in the 2025 budget and bid them after the North Dakota Department of Transportation opens bids for the Hwy 2/26th St and 2nd Ave intersection work to potentially reduce costs. The commission approved the Alliance task orders by unanimous vote.

Juma also presented AE2S Task Order No.01 to begin design for the Chinaman Coulee box culvert crossing on the West Frontage Road; the project is programmed to be advertised for bidding in January 2027 and requires coordination with NDDOT, the North Dakota Department of Water Resources, FEMA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. When Commissioner Cymbaluk asked whether the Corps would assist with costs, Juma replied, "no." The commission approved AE2S Task Order No.01 and directed the city engineer to execute the document.

Separately, the commission approved Resolution 24-005 to accept a donated right-of-way strip from property owner Allen Lawrence for 6th Avenue West. Juma explained the donated strip will allow the city to extend water and sewer lines in the future; the city will pay for installation, and Juma estimated that three buildings could tie into the extension when constructed. The motion carried 5-0 for the task orders and the right-of-way resolution.