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Remediation resolves quarter-million-dollar claim
The council agreed to a proposed
settlement with the company in charge of the $10 million wastewater
treatment facility expansion and upgrade.
Felmley-Dickerson first asked for an
additional $225,000 compensation for unanticipated expenses. Those
expenses escalated to $300,000 by the completion of the project.
According to the engineers,
unforeseen subsoil conditions led to extra construction expense.
Uncommonly heavy rains in the spring 2003 complicated construction
and caused the collapse of the structure 45 site while it was under
construction.
The city disputed the claim of
unforeseen conditions, which should have been understood from
standard soil-boring tests taken before construction began.
Both the city and the engineering
company agreed that an attempt at remediation might result in the
best outcome for both parties.
On Oct. 20, city attorney Bill Bates
and Mayor Beth Davis met on the issue all day, with an initial 15
people in the morning session. The afternoon session involved fewer
people, but it was a long day that finally ended between 4 and 5
p.m., Bates said. He stated his appreciation of the mayor clearing
her schedule to be there and said he thought her presence and input
made a big difference in their coming to the proposed resolution.
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After looking at what the claimant
would probably get if they took it to court and got some recovery,
Felmley-Dickerson agreed to a $90,000 tentative settlement, pending
council approval.
Bates regarded this offer is a very
favorable resolution to the city and recommended the city accept it.
The council approved the agreement
unanimously on Dec 6, with Alderman Glenn Shelton absent.
["Quarter-million-dollar
sewer bill dumped on city," posted Aug. 13, 2003]
["City
will deny quarter-million-dollar claim," posted Aug. 27, 2003]
Charitable meals planned
The city approved funds for two
senior citizens to receive a hot meal at home on weekends. Community
Action prepares and delivers meals throughout the county. A total of
$520 covers the annual cost for two people to receive the
meals-on-wheels program.
Alderman Marty Neitzel said that
local youth will be joining with Lincoln Correctional Center
employees on Dec. 19 to provide a Christmas meal for the less
fortunate.
[Jan
Youngquist] |
