Town ratifies tree‑clearing agreement to advance Pump Station 24–32 sewer project

The Clarksville Town Council on March 18 ratified a staff‑initiated agreement for tree clearing tied to a gravity sewer project connecting Pump Station 32 at Silver Lakes Mobile Home Park to Pump Station 24 near I‑65 and I‑265.

Staff said the construction documents require clearing before a state deadline to avoid disturbing Indiana bat habitat. "Per Indiana law, trees must be cut down by March 31 to comply with the rules regarding the habitation of the Indiana bat," a staff member told the council when explaining why portions of the work were accelerated. The project was split into five areas; two areas (d and e) were removed from the immediate specifications to meet the deadline and will be requoted later, producing a revised contract value of $97,729 after the adjustments. Staff also said the low original quote from Dan Christiani Excavating was $122,505 before scope reductions.

Councilman Stotts moved to accept the recommendation; Councilwoman Henderson seconded the motion. The council voted to ratify the signing of the agreement and the notice to proceed; the motion carried unanimously.

The staff presentation said the tree work is preparatory to installing a new gravity flow sewer line that will run behind Silver Lakes Mobile Home Park, under Silver Creek and Interstate 65, then across to Pump Station 24 to increase capacity on the line serving Highway 31 and accommodate future development. Staff indicated the portions removed from the current contract will be requoted and brought back for later action.