The La Marque City Council held a regular meeting on October 28, 2024, at 6 PM, addressing key issues related to the city's wastewater treatment plant project. The meeting began with a discussion on the proposed design changes for the plant, specifically the shift to a Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR) method, which aims to streamline the aeration and clarification processes into a single basin.

Council members expressed concerns about the complexity of the decision-making process, particularly given the limited time to understand the technical aspects of the proposed changes. One council member highlighted the pressure of making informed decisions in a short timeframe, emphasizing the need for a more thorough understanding of alternative designs beyond the conventional activated sludge process and the SBR method.

The engineering team provided insights into various wastewater treatment designs, noting that while there are several alternatives, many would exceed the city's budget of approximately $36 to $40 million. The council was informed that the SBR method was chosen as a cost-effective solution that would still meet the city's needs.

Discussion also touched on the timeline of the project, with the engineering team explaining that the initial cost estimates had escalated due to market conditions and the lengthy environmental review process required for the project. The council was urged to move forward with the SBR design to avoid further delays and potential cost increases.

In a significant decision, the council voted to authorize the engineering team to initiate revised plans for the SBR technology and to prepare bids for both the SBR and the conventional method. This decision aims to provide the council with options while ensuring that the project remains within budget.

Additionally, the city manager provided updates on public works and sales tax statistics, noting a slight decrease in sales tax revenue compared to the previous year but an overall increase from two years prior. The council discussed the impact of construction on local businesses, particularly in relation to recent road closures.

The meeting concluded with acknowledgments of city staff contributions and a reminder of the importance of community engagement in the decision-making process. The council expressed a commitment to improving communication and transparency as they move forward with the wastewater treatment project and other city initiatives.