Council pulls Lemon Drive storm‑drain item after underground utility conflicts; staff to return with amendment request

City staff asked the council to pull a storm-drain improvement item for Lemon Drive after underground utility conflicts were discovered that require either utility relocation or design changes.

A project representative explained the discovery and said the Lemon Drive portion of the storm-drain replacement can be phased while staff evaluates options to avoid the conflicts. “There’s a need to either relocate existing conflicting utilities or possibly modify our design,” the representative said, and added staff could move forward concurrently with the Imperial Highway storm-drain replacement, which is covered under the existing contract.

Staff told the council it will return with an amendment request for additional funds once the scope and best solution for Lemon Drive are finalized. Council members accepted the pull; city staff said the timing for returning with a recommendation is not yet known.

The consent calendar vote proceeded with item 8 removed for later consideration; Council Member Tara Campbell moved the balance of the consent calendar, Council Member Singh seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.

What’s next: staff will analyze options for relocation or redesign of Lemon Drive utilities, finalize a scope and cost estimate, and return to the council with a recommended contract amendment and timeline.