Council approves $298,664 change order to add levee crossing and 8th Avenue repairs to water tower transmission project

The council approved a $298,664 change order to the water tower transmission line project (Schedule A), adding alternate bid one — the levee crossing section that restores a 16‑inch transmission line through the levee — after the city received a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Project staff and Helms designers explained the permit delay had kept the alternate bid out of the original contract; staff recommended the work be added back in now that the permit is secured.

The change order also includes concrete repairs at the 8th Avenue and North Roosevelt intersection, replacing traffic detection loops with cameras to improve maintenance and detection reliability, and replacing at least one valve in that intersection. Project staff estimated the levee crossing portion accounts for roughly $171,000 of the change order and described other items (concrete patching, detection cameras and valves) making up the remainder.

Councilmembers and residents asked about the timing, why the project started before some community events, and how the intersection work will affect traffic and business access. Project engineers said the corridor (8th Avenue) was selected after modeling and grant/permitting constraints and that contractors were constrained by school‑time restrictions and concrete cure times; staff said they were monitoring schedule and safety and engaging local businesses. The council approved the change order by roll call.