Council approves waterline MOU with Orange County and Phase‑1 contract for Fieldstone pump station upgrade

The council on May 4 approved two infrastructure items meant to support growth and water/wastewater capacity.

Waterline connector MOU: Utility Director Kyle Smith (S24) described a proposed 12-inch ductile-iron water main (~2,000 linear feet) along West Ten Road to eliminate dead-end mains, improve water quality and fire flow, and support industrial development near Buckhorn Industrial Parkway. Orange County agreed to fund 50% under a memorandum of understanding; council approved the MOU and an amendment to the related capital project ordinance to increase the project budget by approximately $159,750 to cover updated estimates.

Fieldstone pump station phase 1: City engineering staff (S26) recommended increasing Fieldstone pump station capacity to roughly 1,000,000 gallons/day and procuring a design-build team. After review of qualifications and funding sources (including redirected EDA grant proceeds and revenue bond funds), council awarded a phase-1 design/construct contract to Crowder Construction (with McGill as engineer) for $1,151,592 to cover design and long-lead equipment allowances. Staff said the overall project budget is approximately $2.584 million and that the team will return with a guaranteed maximum price for the installation by year-end.

Council rationale and next steps: members praised efforts to maximize grant and bond funding, and staff said bids will be returned next month for final award; the Fieldstone phase-1 award and CPO amendments passed by council vote.

Funding and timing: staff noted EDA grant funds freed some revenue-bond money that could be shifted to the Fieldstone project; the City expects phase‑1 work to allow a December completion timeline for design and equipment procurement and to present a guaranteed maximum price for construction by December.