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Storm Water Project Delayed Again
(posted 5.25.09)
It appears Gerrard-Allison residents are facing another delay in solving
their drainage problems, while the design engineering costs continue to
inch closer to the half million dollar mark.
The Speedway Stormwater Management Board gave preliminary OK to pay for
a $96,550 increase in engineering fees to American Structurepoint at the
board's May 21 meeting. The town council has to give final approval.
American Structurepoint is asking for the addition to the $396,000 contract
to cover detailed design of the alternative project. Town Manager Barbara
Lawrence said the additional money is for engineering curbs and streets
that will help convey more water in the alternative design. The money for
the fee increase will come from the cumulative capital fund, bond proceeds
and sewer fund.
The new project design is estimated at $4 million to $4.2 million. American
Structurepoint was asked to narrow the scope of work from the original
estimated design cost of $5.2 million.
Robert Hendricksen of ASP said the engineering design is 30 percent complete,
and he is still coordinating with the IMS to build an underground stormwater
storage tank at the east end of 20th Street. The storage tank could also
benefit the IMS if it paves its parking lots north of the American Legion,
providing a solution for the lots' drainage.
Gerrard-Allison residents have been actively requesting the town's help
to solve their flooding issues since 2006. This delay is in hopes of receiving
a $1 million grant from the Office of Community Rural Affairs (OCRA).
"I know its frustrating; I'm sure," board member Jeff Hartman
said.
Lawrence said they are applying for a Disaster Recovery II grant that has
a total pool of $20 million. The money is given to communities that suffered
flooding, hail and storm damage in 2008. The grant application requires
a public meeting, scheduled for June 2 at the Town Hall. "I know everyone
is going to say 'Oh no, not another public meeting on Gerrard-Allison',"
she said.
Lawrence said residents might receive a phone call inquiring about income
level as part of the grant application.
Lawrence repeated her comments several times that the town is committed
to moving forward with or without the grant. If the town is not awarded
the grant, then construction is expected to start by fall, because the
town will not have to meet OCRA's requirements to start the project.
The board also received three quotes to repair pipe separation at the corner
of 29th Street and Hollister. Milestone submitted the low quote of $60,412.
The high quote was from Hot Paving at $85,568.
The board is looking into drainage problems in the Wheeler School area
and the 2700 block of Vinewood Drive.
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