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Council tables decision on City Park well after questions about city line, cost and timing
Summary
Edwardsville council postponed action on a worst-case $23,745 well bid from DWR Drilling LLC after staff said a newly discovered city water line might supply irrigation; council asked staff to return with a comparative analysis at the next meeting.
Edwardsville City Council on May 4 tabled consideration of a bid to install a water well at City Park so staff can gather more technical and cost information.
The agenda item asked the council to award a contract to DWR Drilling LLC to install a well at City Park for $23,745.17 and authorize the city manager to execute the agreement. Staff reported the park's soccer fields sit on sandy soil that needs irrigation to be playable and that a well could be a more cost-effective long-term solution than connecting to city water.
Presenter Brian Hutchison said the city solicited bids from eight licensed well providers through KDHE and received three responses; the DWR Drilling bid was presented as the worst-case price and assumed up to 50 feet of drilling. Hutchison and council members discussed whether the existing water line near the park has enough pressure and volume to support a sprinkler system. Hutchison said the water meter at the park is two inches and that some lines reduce size underground, and noted the contractor will handle required KDHE licensing and permits. He also said a site move could add about $1,500 to the cost if drilling must occur farther from the bluff.
Council members pressed staff for a cost comparison between using the newly discovered city line and drilling a well, and for clarity on electrical needs, nonpotable status of well water and maintenance expectations. Staff said a contractor would need to be selected by mid-May for summer work to allow the fields to recover in time for fall soccer.
Given the new information about the existing line, Council member (S4) moved to table the item until the next meeting to allow staff to return with a full analysis; the motion was seconded and carried on roll call.
The council directed staff to return with a clearer cost comparison, confirmation of the city line's capacity, and any additional permitting or site-preparation costs. The item will be back on the agenda at the council's next regular meeting.
