Developer-funded sewer and water project advances with conditions; city attorney to draft easement and developer agreement

Council members and city staff on May 7 reviewed a developer-led sewer and water infrastructure proposal for Pick City and set conditions before work proceeds.

Developer Donny Wald, accompanied by consultant Travis Frey of Frey Consulting, Inc., described plans for the project and said he has contracted Post Construction of Minot to perform installation. Public Works Director Jim Sailer and Attorney Mark Kaffe r told Mr. Frey that elements were missing from the project specifications (including compaction testing and a post-compaction report); Mr. Frey agreed to add those items to the specifications and to consult further with the city engineer, Josh of Moore Engineering.

The council was informed that one manhole tied to the project—identified as the city’s responsibility—has an estimated cost of $12,000. Attorney Mark Kaffe r told the developer the city must receive an invoice and contractor credentials for any work affecting city infrastructure.

Attorney Kaffe r said he will prepare a written easement for property owner Maurice Hardy and will draft a developer agreement to define reimbursement responsibilities for future service lines, noting legal and consulting fees incurred related to the project will be paid by the developer. The council did not approve final construction documents at the meeting; the items listed by city staff must be included in updated specifications before the city signs any agreement.

Next steps: Attorney Kaffe r will draft the easement and the developer agreement for council review; Mr. Frey will revise specifications to include compaction testing and reporting and coordinate with Moore Engineering prior to any permits or city acceptance of infrastructure.