The Carroll City Council approved a professional services agreement with JEO Consulting Group, Inc. for a $4.5 million project to improve stormwater drainage along Southgate Road during last night’s (Monday) meeting. The issue first came to the city’s attention after several residents complained of standing water in their yards following heavy precipitation. Officials received a proposal from JEO last summer on proposed drainage improvements for the neighborhoods near Rolling Hills Park. Public Works Director Randy Krauel says staff is recommending an expanded project now to save work in the future.
The council has four options. They could pass on the project, remove and replace just the mains, remove and replace mains and services, or replace the services only. The options range in estimated cost from $4.29 million on the low end to $4.99 million on the high end. Krauel notes the mains are in good condition.
However, Krauel says they do not have any information on the condition of service lines, and half of sanitary sewer and water services would need to be replaced with this project, regardless of condition. Several council members questioned the high price tag associated with the work, and Ward 2 Councilman Jason Atherton asked if the project is truly necessary.
According to Krauel, four properties have noted standing water during heavy rain, but the project would service a much larger area. City Manager Aaron Kooiker says the storm sewer replacement is about more than just those flooding properties.
The council voted 4-1, Atherton being the sole nay vote, to approve the JEO contract amendment to move forward with repaving, storm sewer replacement, and service line replacement for $4.525 million. Design fees for the project now total $326,780.
