Avon staff expect low six-figure cost for sanitary-sewer fixes; health department waiver reduces scope

Staff reported progress and potential costs for a sanitary-sewer repair needed near Foundation Park and the civic center expansion. "We paid tap fees of $5,348, and then we paid Daystar Directional Drilling $43,325," staff said, and noted Foundation Park tap fees totaled $46,132.

Contractor estimates: staff said Daystar and other directional-drilling contractors warned the job will likely be a low six-figure project. One staff member said the original concern that a buried tank under a concrete slab would require removal (with the potential for much higher structural repair costs) has been mitigated after coordination with the health department: the department granted a waiver to remove and fill the tank with flowable fill, which staff reported should reduce the estimate closer to the $100,000 range rather than the previously discussed $200,000 figure, pending written contractor quotes.

Schedule and procurement: staff said they have asked for multiple quotes and expect to have bids to present at the council’s next meeting in July to allow time for award and completion before penalty dates escalate. Directional drilling means the in-field work is expected to be brief (staff said actual work could take less than a week), but procurement and mobilization timelines drive the overall schedule.

What the council asked: members asked whether the work would damage athletic fields and about penalties and completion deadlines; staff said contractors can drill between fields 1 and 2 to avoid long-term turf damage and noted an August 19 deadline referenced in email correspondence.

What’s next: staff will collect written quotes and bring a recommendation to council at the next regular meeting for authorization and contract award if numbers are acceptable.

Sources: project updates and cost figures provided by staff and contractors during the July 9 work session.