Engineering mistake costly for sewer project
Peabody City Council got little satisfaction Monday night from engineer Al Reiss regarding a $22,000 change order on the sewer project. The money is needed to pay for a bore under Pawnee Road which was not included in the bid specifications from Reiss and Goodness, city engineers.
Smokey Hill Construction has pulled its equipment from Peabody and is awaiting resolution of the issue.
While Reiss admitted he made an error by leaving the bore out of project plans, he was not willing to offer financial compensation to the city which will now have to pull money from the project contingency fund.
"That's why that money (the contingency fund) is there," said Reiss. "The state provides that to give you extra funds that you can use if a problem comes up.
"The state wants you to spend that money
"Wait, do you not bear some liability in this?" asked councilman Alan Yock. "Taking $22,000 and change out of a $40,000 contingency fund doesn't leave much — especially since we are going to have to spend an additional $10,000 on the back-up generator."
Council members finally approved spending the money out of the contingency fund to get the project moving again. However the approval was only a 3-2 vote with Yock and Steve Rose voting against paying the change order.
"This leaves a bad taste in my mouth," said Yock.
In other business related to the sewer project, council approved requests for payment from Smokey Hill and Middle Creek Mining as well as Reiss and Goodness Engineers.
Council heard from John Bloomer regarding infringements on his property to which he did not agree when he signed a contract with the city allowing construction on his property. Councilmen agreed to create an itemized list of grievances, take photos, and present a claim before the final funds are released.
"The golf course also has had some problems and is asking questions," said Rose.
Council instructed city administrator Jeff Benbrook to make a comprehensive list. Councilman Edmund Slocombe and liaison Randy Dallke will look over the project from start to finish.
An error by the contractor laying the first 1,500 feet of pipe was reviewed and Reiss was instructed by council to write a formal request to Smokey Hill Construction for $5,000 remuneration in the city's favor. The other option is to dig up the pipe and lay it again. Reiss explained that after recent heavy rains the pipe is probably well set.
Council reviewed a list of recently razed properties. During the past weekend houses at 309 Sycamore, 202 Elm, 512 Elm, and 412 Maple were torn down. Several of the structures have been on the city's list of nuisance properties for a long time.
In other business the council:
— heard that Burlington Northern Santa Fe is in receipt of all necessary insurance information and endorsements regarding the bore under the rail line for city sewer upgrades. The city is waiting on a response.
— approved a zoning commission recommendation to allow Dale and Doe Ann Hague to make structural changes to the back of the building at 118 Walnut Street.
— made a donation of $75 for prizes to July Fourth parade committee and car show committee. Council also approved a plan to allow a "wet parade" as long as the parade committee sets aside dry areas for spectators who don't wish to get wet.
— reviewed progress on property owned by Frances Martinez, Darlene Sacks, Joe Plume, Rafael Menjivar, and Tina Redger. Redger was noted to be in full compliance and the others were given an additional 30 days to complete clean-up.
— reviewed inoperable status on vehicles owned by David Beckner and Josh Richter. Beckner was granted a 30-day extension. He will return July 11.
Richter had moved his vehicle, but asked for an ordinance change because he is working on his for the demolition derby at Marion County Fair in August. Council will revisit the ordinance and make an adjustment for derby cars.
— approved a bid from Inland Paving for street resurfacing.
— approved purchase of agricultural lime for striping the baseball diamond.
— approved a one-day employment agreement for July Fourth between the city and Tammy Whiteside and the city and Brian McDowell.
— heard from city administrator Jeff Benbrook that changes in the organization and structure of Peabody swim team will be taking place and will include a formal agreement between team organizers and the city.
— learned a budget workshop will be held June 6.
— instructed Benbrook to contact outside contractors willing to enter into an agreement with the city to house animals picked up by the animal control officer.
— heard the "Free Lots" program is in final planning stages by economic development committee. The committee has selected lots it will offer and has completed the application form. Plans will be finalized at the next economic development meeting.
— heard that economic development has selected judges for the summer block beautification project. Judges will begin looking at the community and making preliminary selections in the next week or two.
