Council hears update on Fairway Drive/Tomahawk stormwater diversion; contractor delays and costs discussed

Town stormwater staff gave a technical update on the Fairway Drive–Tomahawk Avenue stormwater diversion project, explaining design goals, construction progress and delays.

Anne Philip, the town’s floodplain administrator and stormwater implementer, said the project is intended to daylight an outlet to the golf course, replace undersized conveyance (15" to 24"), and construct a stormwater wetland sized to treat a 1‑inch rainfall event; Philip said the wetland design would remove an estimated 85% of total suspended solids on drawdown.

Philip said the town received a $75,000 grant from the Buncombe County Clean Water Fund to support the work. Engineering and permitting followed the town’s 2022 stormwater master plan; during excavation crews hit an old clay spring pipe and an unmapped water line that served the golf maintenance shop, which required coordination with MSD and work to cap and protect utilities.

Matt (project manager) explained contractor availability has delayed completion — crews were shifted to other projects after lines were hit — and staff has pressed the contractor for an updated schedule. "They have told us they will provide an updated schedule early next week," he said, adding that town crews could finish remaining work if contractor performance remains subpar.

Council asked about impacts to the golf course. Staff said phasing could allow the course to reopen earlier by completing portions of the work that do not affect play. On costs, staff reported the project’s total projected cost at $143,892.50 and said the contractor has been paid $106,000 so far; staff estimated remaining work could be roughly $37,000–$50,000 but cautioned this was not final.

No formal vote was required; council members asked staff to press for a firm contractor schedule and to provide a follow‑up report with a clearer completion plan and cost reconciliation.