Representatives from project management and GrantWorks briefed the City Council on several ongoing GLO-funded infrastructure projects and the status of grant monitoring on Dec. 12.

Lauren Kimball of PMI said the Area 6 & 7 waterline improvement project is roughly 42% complete and that a recent bid came in under budget, leaving about $521,000 available for additional streets — subject to grant restrictions that limit work to replacement of 2-inch lines largely concentrated in District D. Alex Sebers of GrantWorks reviewed three other GLO projects: C287 Westlawn (substantially complete, nearing closeout), D208 sanitary sewer (on track for 2026 completion), and D223 wastewater treatment plant and lift station upgrades (major award with a city match). Sebers said three lift stations are complete and more are being bid.

Sebers also described the GLO monitoring process: after an introductory walkthrough, the GLO issues documentation requests and interviews (including routine fraud/waste/abuse questions); staff have responded to RFIs and the city does not currently anticipate financial penalties based on the exit conference and responses. "We are not anticipating any financial penalties at this time," Sebers said, while noting the final monitoring report was still pending.

On change orders, Public Works and staff asked to add one additional lift station rehabilitation (Lift Station No. 1 off Bayou and Scott) and to extend time for project completion; the additional scope will be paid from leftover project funds, not new city dollars. Council asked for a follow-up briefing with detailed cost reporting after multiple public commenters raised past concerns about lift‑station costs and grant payments. The council approved the change orders and directed staff to provide a detailed lift-station cost update at the next meeting.