Council says engineering review, more bids needed after Fox Engineering estimate cited

Council discussion at the April 28 special meeting emphasized the need for engineering verification before the city proceeds with work on Marino Street. Councilmember Dan Heathcock asked whether the proposed approach would carry heavier rain and whether a civil engineer was required; the contractor representative said grade shots and proper design would be necessary to have confidence in performance during a six-inch rain event.

Councilmember Larry Coxsey also noted a previously discussed Fox Engineering estimate of approximately $187,000 to fully address the drainage and suggested that the $44,400 proposal lacked the scope implied by that earlier estimate. Coxsey said the city should not proceed on a single bid and moved to disapprove the contract until staff could obtain more information and additional bids.

Mr. Drake, speaking for the contractor proposal, said he had relied on a resident's description of prior conditions and that the current estimate did not include engineering-grade details. He told the council, "I was told it was working properly before, they had no issues," and later cautioned that a civil engineer and grade shots would be required for a high-confidence design. Councilmembers agreed they needed either formal engineering verification or more comprehensive bids before awarding the work.