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Hardwick authorizes $34,000 land survey as penstock design work advances under FEMA review
Summary
The board authorized a not-to-exceed $34,000 survey to resolve title uncertainty for the Pentock penstock project so engineering and FEMA-funded design work can proceed; commissioners pressed consultants for clearer contract scope, construction-phase responsibilities and insurance limits.
Hardwick’s commissioners voted on May 26 to authorize a survey (not to exceed $34,000) for the Walcut property to resolve ambiguous deeds and title questions that are delaying penstock replacement engineering and FEMA reimbursement.
Staff described a two-part engineering plan for penstock replacement (an estimated $217,000 design phase plus a separate survey and title work). Commissioners expressed concern about ambiguous contract language: scope inconsistencies between design-only and construction-phase services, a 12% reimbursable fee provision, and insurance and risk-allocation caps that staff said would be negotiated and cleared with legal review and FEMA before final contract signing. The board approved a motion to allow the survey to proceed so the team can resolve ownership claims and provide FEMA with clearer documentation.
Commissioners emphasized the need for alternatives in the engineering scope (one penstock vs. two) and asked staff to seek competitive bids for discrete tasks (particularly the survey) and to require COIs and clear liability language before contracts are executed. Staff said FEMA review and federal procurement screening remain required steps before any funded construction contract is executed.
