Council approves $319,200 Interstate Drive settlement repair contract and $15,000 inspection agreement

Cookeville City Council on May 21 approved a $319,200 base-bid award to Remco Geotechnical Contractors to repair a settlement along Interstate Drive and authorized a separate construction-inspection contract with UES Professional Solutions estimated at $15,000.

The council heard from Miss Elrod of the public works department, who said the low bid submitted May 14 included drilling about 35 primary boreholes, grouting them within a 5-lane roadway segment for roughly 100 feet, and an alternate for additional secondary grout holes if needed. "Remco Geotechnical Contractors [was] the low bidder at a base bid amount of $319,200," Miss Elrod said. Staff recommended a 90-day contract with a possible start date of June 22 and anticipated completion by the end of September.

Miss Elrod also presented the city’s request to authorize the city manager to sign an agreement with UES Professional Solutions for construction oversight. She said UES — the geotechnical engineer that helped prepare bid specifications — proposed about 15 days of oversight with an estimated cost of $15,000 and recommended council approval.

Councilman Walker moved to award the project and councilman Gilbert seconded; the motions to award the base bid and to authorize the UES inspection contract each passed on unanimous 5-0 votes. The agenda materials did not list bond or alternative funding for the work; staff said timing and technical oversight would be managed through the separate inspection contract.

The project timeline and inspection scope are expected to be handled under the awarded contracts; the council did not amend scope or add funding at the meeting. The city will return to council if additional budget adjustments or change orders are required.