Nelson council approves $14,307.50 fix for park spring and drainage

The City of Nelson council voted 3–2 on July 13 to approve $14,307.50 for a park spring and drainage repair that will remove an abandoned pipe, cap a spring box, install an 18‑inch reinforced concrete pipe and a 24‑inch concrete headwall, and add riprap to stabilize outflow.

Mayor (speaking as meeting chair) brought the item forward, explaining the work would “remove and abandon pipe, seal that box, and then attach the other pipe run out” to an underground detention area and asking for a motion to approve the $14,307.50. Council members asked for engineering backup and a clearer scope before voting.

Charlie Myers, corporal with the sheriff’s office who said he was filling in for Marshal Patterson, urged caution after inspecting the site: “The first joint is angled like this…that is a sinkhole that’s gonna happen within 3 foot of the road.” Myers and other members requested photos and asked that Barry, the city engineer who prepared the drawings, present a packet at the next meeting.

Proponents said two independent engineering reviews recommended the proposed fix and that temporary measures had reduced flooding during heavy rains. Opponents said they lacked sufficient documentation at the meeting to feel confident signing off without a detailed scope and hydro reports.

The motion passed 3–2. The mayor asked staff to assemble the contract, the scope of work and related engineering documentation and to invite engineer Barry to the next meeting to answer technical questions.

What happens next: staff will circulate the requested packet and Barry will be asked to present at the next council meeting so the council can confirm scope, oversight and any warranty/inspection provisions.