CAUD considers future sewer needs
The Kentucky Infrastructure Authority will require the utility district to rebid a portion of the downtown waterline replacement project that became the nucleus of controversy last year.
In a letter dated July 21, Kentucky Infrastructure Authority Commissioner Sandra Dunahoo wrote that a previous change order for $994,500 would not be reinstated. The board had approved the change order pending approval from KIA and the Division of Water.
Utility District manager Lenny Stone told board members Thursday that he, board chair Wid Harris, and David Bowles, with Monarch Engineering, went to Frankfort to meet with KIA officials to talk about a waterline project for Hwy. 704 customers and the downtown project. KIA is the funding arm for grant and loan revenue being used for the two projects and Monarch is the engineer.
Stone said KIA agreed with the board that the 704 project should be a top priority and gave verbal approval to get started.
Also during the regular monthly meeting, Stone told board members he would like to get an analysis of sewer capacity in the Hwy. 61 south area near Walmart where several commercial projects are taking place.
Stone emphasized there is no problem in that area and the district’s sewer system has the capacity to accommodate the new construction now taking place. With the prospects of future projects, however, Stone said he would like to have someone map out potential future needs so they can be prepared for growth. He also added there could be a potential to expand sewer services toward a subdivision near the golf course.
Board member Mike Newton said he supported the idea and suggested they talk to multiple engineering firms. Stone said he had been concerned about changing engineering firms on past projects because he didn’t think it was fair to ask Monarch to do things to plan a project then give the project to another firm, but this project is brand new.
Following a motion by board member Doug Sapp, the board voted to write a request for proposal (RFP) for an engineering firm to study the sewer needs of the future. Stone said he would have the RFP ready for the board to review next month.
There will be complete coverage of the meeting in next week's issue of the Community Voice.
