Commission awards $90,328 contract for collapsed pipe on Lambert Avenue; completion target set at Nov. 30, 2025

The City Commission voted 5–0 Sept. 9 to award SC Cline Construction Inc. a $90,328 contract to repair a collapsed 15‑inch storm pipe on Lambert Avenue. The project responds to sinkholes and undermining near homeowner driveways that staff said threatened property and surface stability.

City Manager Martin described the pipe failure as causing “numerous sinkholes” and said the city solicited two contractors on the continuing‑services list before recommending SC Cline. City Engineer Bill Freeman and staff described the replacement pipe as an upgrade from corrugated (ADS) to HDPE and an upsizing from 15 inches to 18 inches where feasible.

Commissioners asked for more detail on project drawings, environmental controls (dewatering, turbidity barriers) and the engineering basis for the chosen contractor. A resident asked about a firm completion date; staff reported the contract includes liquidated damages beginning for each day the project extends past Nov. 30, 2025.

Commissioner Cooley reiterated a desire for improved near‑real‑time notification for change orders after earlier experiences with after‑the‑fact change orders on other utility projects. City Manager Martin said staff would tighten internal notification procedures to avoid unanticipated after‑the‑fact approvals.

The award was approved unanimously. Staff said finish work (crosswalk painting, patching) would follow as weather allows.