Board approves drainage contracts, RFQ for EPA-funded projects and other infrastructure actions

The mayor and Board of Aldermen approved several infrastructure procurement actions Tuesday focused on drainage improvements and related federal funding requirements.

Staff asked the board to issue a request for qualifications to select engineering, environmental and application-planning services for the Fine Avenue Drainage Improvement project using a US EPA community grant; the board approved issuing the RFQ and assigned a mayoral-appointed selection committee to review proposals.

For Glenwood and Rollingwood drainage improvements (State and Tribal Assistance Grant, US EPA), staff recommended acceptance of the low bid from T.L. Wallace Construction. The bid total reported in the staff presentation was approximately $2,087,253 (transcript numerics were unclear). The board voted to accept the low bid; staff later requested and received board approval for change order No. 1 to add federally required assurances (EEOC, anti-kickback and similar clauses). Staff said the change order carried no additional cost but was necessary for EPA procurement compliance.

The board also approved procurement of pull-down shades for 29 auditorium windows and the creation of separate bank accounts required to receive two state appropriations—$500,000 for bridge lighting and $500,000 for Canal Street bridge replacement—so funds can be received and tracked separately.

Why it matters: These actions allow the city to proceed with EPA-funded drainage projects and to receive and manage upcoming state appropriations tied to infrastructure; compliance with federal assurances was identified as a required administrative step before award.

Next steps: Staff will publish the RFQ, proceed with the consultant selection process, finalize the contract award to the low bidder pending procurement checks, and return to the board with any required contract documents.