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Boulder approves easement for Well 5 and authorizes bidding for Phase 1 water improvements
Summary
City Council approved an easement for Well 5 with the state and authorized Morrison-Maierle to bid Schedule A of Phase 1 of the water system improvements project; Council heard that design is about 97% complete and the well house for Pump #4 is crucial to restoring water service.
The Boulder City Council on Jan. 21 approved an easement grant from the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) for Well 5 and authorized the engineering firm Morrison-Maierle to bid Schedule A of Phase 1 of the city's water system improvements project.
City Engineer Elly Schmeltzer told the council the easement language had been drafted by DPHHS and reviewed by City Attorney Ed Guza. Schmeltzer said design work on Phase 1 is approximately 97% complete and that construction of the well house for Pump No. 4 is critical to getting water service restored to residents.
Mayor Russell Giulio said he and City Administrator Brian Bullock attempted to negotiate the price but that DPHHS's legal team "insisted that the full price be paid for the well easement," and the council moved forward on the drafted language. The motion to approve the "Easement Grant and Declaration of Well Control Zone Restrictions" was made by Council President Drew Dawson, seconded by Councilor Mike Taylor and recorded as carrying with three aye votes; the minutes do not specify which councilors cast those votes.
On the related contracting action, Schmeltzer characterized the authorization to bid as a formality given the near-complete design. Dawson moved to authorize Morrison-Maierle to bid Schedule A; Taylor seconded and the motion carried with three aye votes.
The council did not record dollar changes to the agreement with DPHHS in the minutes; the clerk's file or subsequent council materials should be consulted for the exact payment amount and any Board of Land Commissioners steps required before the easement is finalized. The council indicated the next procedural step is likely administrative approval by the Board of Land Commissioners and then moving to the bidding phase for construction work.
