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Council discusses sewer project schedule, manhole flood risk after utility work
Summary
Council and staff updated progress on the sanitary/storm/water project, confirmed contractor schedules through November and 2025, and addressed resident concerns about a new manhole placed close to Swisher Creek during heavy rains.
City staff told the Swisher City Council on July 8 that crews have installed water and sanitary connections on Howard and Third streets and are working on utility installation at the Second Street intersection, with paving potentially starting within two weeks. Staff said they expect to present final numbers related to a $1.1 million portion of the project after county meetings and coordination, with the city’s precise share to be resolved by late July.
A resident raised a safety concern about a newly placed manhole near Swisher Creek, saying the manhole appeared to sit roughly "4 foot away from the creek" and asking whether heavy flows could inundate it. The resident asked, "if they're going to put like Riff Raff around that manhole or what," and noted the risk of stormwater entering the sanitary system during floods. City staff replied that the new manholes are sealed and that they will "make a note to check that one for rim elevation" and may add a riser if needed.
Staff also explained a recent change order request: when crews dewatered an existing crossing under Second Street they found a mixture of reinforced-concrete pipe at the ends with corrugated-metal pipe in the middle and debris in the bottom; instead of leaving that crossing they recommended replacing the full crossing to avoid future failures. The council approved Change Order #2, which increases the sanitary sewer contract by $7,613.32.
On project timing, staff confirmed that phase work up to Howard is scheduled for substantial completion by Nov. 15, with startup of certain work beginning April 1 and remaining parts of the project completed by Aug. 29, 2025. Council asked staff to keep the public informed about street openings and closures.
The council approved associated payouts and the change order during the meeting; staff will return with final county coordination numbers at the July 22 meeting.
