Council approves $205,904.62 water-fund contribution for Farm Road developer participation

City staff asked the Moscow City Council to approve a developer participation arrangement to replace a deteriorating asbestos-concrete (AC) trunk line near 120 Farm Road and close a loop in the system to improve reliability.

Bob Lubell, presenting for staff, said the AC pipe was installed in the 1970s and is nearing the end of its useful life, posing increasing risk of leaks or failure. He told council that staff recommended approval "of the expenditure of $205,904.62 from the water capital fund and authorize staff approval of construction change orders in the amount of not to exceed 10% of the estimated amount." Lubell said the developer will perform construction with the city contributing the identified portion; developer participation funds were already in the budget but the estimate exceeded available funds.

Councilors asked about construction timing, whether burying the old AC line would pose groundwater risks and how the abandoned line would be recorded for future development. Lubell said the plan is to leave the AC line buried (a standard mitigation) and to keep its approximate location and material type in city records. After discussion about staffing and record-keeping, Councilor Drew moved to approve the expenditure and the 10% change-order authority; the motion passed on a roll-call vote with unanimous ayes.

The council’s action authorizes staff to finalize a developer-participation agreement and pay the identified amount from the water capital fund; construction will proceed under the developer’s contract with the city ensuring appropriate documentation of the abandoned AC segment.