Commission authorizes Friese and Nichols contracts and peer review task for bridge and wastewater work

The City Commission on July 15 approved multiple engineering actions with Friese and Nichols, Inc., including a professional services agreement for an assessment of the Liska Road timber bridge, a master professional services contract to govern future engineering task orders, and a task order to peer‑review wastewater treatment plant expansion design plans.

Staff described the Liska Road structure as a 58‑foot, two‑lane timber bridge spanning Cummins Creek that suffered damage after high water events and interim repairs by city crews. Friese and Nichols proposed a site visit and a technical memorandum outlining alternatives (rehabilitate or replace) and preliminary cost information; the assessment cost was capped at $28,900 and staff said assessment funds will come from this year27s budget while construction costs would be budgeted later.

The commission also approved a master services agreement that establishes the contract framework for future task orders; staff said individual task authorizations and associated prices will return to the commission for approval. Under that master agreement, the commission approved Task Order 1, a peer review of wastewater expansion plans not to exceed $36,480. Mazin Khawasmi, shareholder and VP with Friese and Nichols, said the peer review memorandum would be delivered within roughly 30 days of notice to proceed and indicated he had signature authority to begin work immediately.

Commissioners asked whether the assessment and peer review would be funded in the current fiscal year and about timelines; staff confirmed the assessment cost comes from this year's budget and Friese and Nichols gave the 30‑day target for the peer review deliverable. Each motion passed by voice vote.