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Garfield council approves contracts, equipment and resolutions to advance water system upgrades
Summary
The Garfield City Council unanimously adopted two resolutions tied to water infrastructure funding, approved inspection and engineering contracts and authorized purchase of monitoring equipment to support a standpipe project and a 2026 water-line replacement effort.
Mayor Gary Blackburn told the Garfield City Council on May 13, 2025, that work on the town’s standpipe and water distribution system is underway and that the council should approve several actions to support continuing improvements.
The council unanimously adopted Resolution 214, a statement of intent regarding the 2026 Water Line Replacement Project, and later adopted Resolution 215, which designates and authorizes the mayor to execute documents for funding administered by the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission. Council Member Teeselink moved to adopt Resolution 214; Council Member Rambo moved adoption of Resolution 215. Both motions passed on unanimous recorded votes.
Council members also approved a $6,558 contract with Atlas to provide onsite observation, foundation and structural concrete testing, and structural-steel inspection services for the standpipe project. Mayor Blackburn reported that steel had been delivered to the site and that earthwork had exposed the inlet/outlet area. "Steel has been delivered to the site," the mayor reported, and the council approved the Atlas observation contract to ensure proper inspection during construction.
Separately, the council voted to purchase a standpipe pressure recorder and sensor at a one-time cost of $5,220 with a $25 monthly subscription for data service; Council Member Kitterman made the motion and Council Member Rambo seconded it. The recording equipment is intended to monitor pressures in the standpipe as construction and commissioning proceed.
To support financial oversight of the water enterprise, the council unanimously approved engaging Landmark CPA to perform the 2024 water system audit. Council Member Kitterman moved the audit engagement and Council Member Teeselink seconded.
The council also voted to engage Engineering Services Inc. for water service engineering to a proposed subdivision on Taylor Barnett Road, linking the planning of new service lines to ongoing system upgrades.
The council recorded all of the above votes as unanimous; no member voted against or abstained. The actions clear several logistical and funding steps that the city says are needed to move the standpipe and related line-replacement work into implementation.
