City manager reports bank-stabilization bid under budget, updates on trails and police outreach

The Diamondhead City manager gave an operations update at the Oct. 4 council meeting, saying the bank-stabilization project came in under budget and that staff received multiple bids. "The project, is under budget and it's and we have a very good contractor, so we should have a great project there," the city manager said during the report.

The manager also reported progress on several recreation and drainage projects: engineers are finalizing design and permitting for the Brunt Runyon Nature Trail, the Lunchwing nature-trail contractor is working on parking and a raised boardwalk with an October 10 contract end date, and staff are obtaining an appraisal for a small parcel off Noma Drive to provide parking near the trail. The manager said the Board of Supervisors discussed using GoMesa funds to assist with dredging at the Noma Drive boat launch and Jordan River and that staff will continue to update the board as projects progress.

The manager warned residents that the duck pond will be drained during the bank-stabilization work and described contract safeguards that require the contractor to continue work once drainage begins. "Keep in mind, you're going to drain the duck the duck pond itself and drain that out... it's probably gonna look terrible while the project's going on," the manager said, urging patience while construction proceeds.

Staff also noted Pelican Cove is out for bid with a bid opening scheduled near the 26th of the month and that an in-dock (office review) meeting is set for the East Aloha Drive project on the 19th, typically the final step before bidding. Council members discussed scheduling informal meet-and-greets for the new police chief so residents and council members can meet him in a relaxed setting.