Council approves change order for Phelps Road drainage project amid complaints about standing water

City council approved a resolution authorizing change order No. 2 on the Phelps Road drainage improvement contract, reducing the contract amount by $56,363.70 to a new total of $1,029,225.30 to reflect final quantities used on the job.

The presentation noted the original contract award to Eastex Utility Construction totaled $1,080,289 and earlier change order No. 1 adjusted smaller amounts. Staff advised that funds are available from certificates of obligation and community development block grant hazard mitigation funds.

Council members raised complaints from residents that recently excavated ditches are holding water, creating mosquito concerns and, in some locations, failing to drain after rain. One council member described newly dug ditches that now hold more water than before the project. Public works staff (Molly) explained the project’s intent was to increase ditch capacity and adjust grading, not to create permanent detention, and said some standing water can persist temporarily until vegetation re-establishes and final culvert adjustments are completed: “Grading is the slope at the bottom of the ditch,” staff said while explaining that when culverts are within a few inches of grade they may not be adjusted immediately and so temporary pooling can occur.

Staff said they will re-inspect locations reported as holding water, reminded residents to call 311 for complaints so engineering can investigate, and noted the contract carries a one-year warranty for corrective work. Council approved the change order by voice vote.