Board approves new city measures

FORT SMITH — The city Board of Directors approved three items during its meeting Tuesday about construction of a compressed natural gas fueling station and renovation to the maintenance facility at the city transit department at 6821 Jenny Lind Road.

The first appropriated $221,500 to process remaining pay applications, a change order and final pay for the project.

In a memo to City Administrator Carl Geffken, Transit Director Ken Savage said about $166,000 was remaining and available at the end of last year to pay for the CNG fueling station. However, not only have the 2019 appropriations lapsed in accordance with city policy, but an additional $55,500 was necessary to address unforeseen expenses in design, surveys and future expansion over the project’s course.

The remaining two items were authorizing a change order with Steve Beam Construction for an additional $4,068 and 119 days for completion of the project, and another authorizing final payment of $74,138 to Beam Construction, for a total contract amount of $1,482,768.

Savage wrote in another memo the substantial the project was completed March 13, which is 119 days past the initial contract completion date. Savage attributed the extension to weather-related shipping delays of the CNG compressor, product testing, future expansion and weather delays associated with installation.

The completion comes after almost four years of planning, preparation, compliance and construction, Savage wrote. He said 90% of the project costs will be reimbursed by the Federal Transit Administration.

“The completed project allows CNG fueling to be performed onsite and permits fueling transactions to be applied to each specific vehicle for accountability,” Savage wrote. “Modifications made to the existing vehicle repair facility will enhance safety should a CNG leak occur and the associated roof replacements will preserve the transit facility in what FTA terms as a state of good repair.”