Washington County Enterprise-Leader
Council Waives Bid Requirements For Storm Damage
FARMINGTON — The city of Farmington will bypass competitive bid requirements so it can move more quickly to make emergency repairs needed after major flooding in late April.
A storm-water drain was damaged on Frisco Drive during flooding that occurred April 28-29. Spring Mountain Drive, Clyde Carnes Road and Rheas Mill Road will need street repairs from water damage.
Farmington City Council agreed to waive competitive bidding at its May 8 meeting to contract with Fochtman Enterprises for the storm drain repair and with Tomlinson Asphalt for street repairs. The companies have agreed to compensation based on time and materials required.
Floyd Shelley, public works manager, estimates it will cost $106,000-$110,000 for the emergency repairs.
“I feel like we fared really well from the amount of rain we got,” Shelley said.
Shelley said it appears the water volume was so great and heavy that it collapsed the storm-drain pipe along the sidewalk on Frisco Drive, located in Valley View Estates subdivision.
For Cldye Carnes and Rheas Mill roads, water eroded the shoulders. On Spring Mountain Drive, water over-topped the bridge, damaging pavement.
In other action, Council members approved a new contract with the Washington County Animal Shelter and granted a request to seek bids for city sanitation service.
Washington County has increased its impound fee from $85 to $150 per animal. The county also charges $10 per day for an animal, up to three days.
If an animal is impounded, the cost — $150 plus $10 per day— is the responsibility of the owner and is paid when the animal is reclaimed. However, if an animal is not reclaimed within three days, then the animal is forfeited to the county and the $150 sheltering fee plus $30 in daily fees will be charged to the city.
The city’s contract for sheltering services is a “Closed Admissions” contract which means Farmington residents cannot take a stray or abandoned animal to the county shelter unless they have a letter from the city of Farmington giving permission for the animal to be dropped off.
Farmington’s contract with Waste Management for sanitation services expired more than two years ago and city staff is recommending the city seek bids for a new contract as soon as possible. Waste Management provides service to pick up curbside trash and recyclables.
The Council also voted to allow the police department to remove the city’s old tornado siren system. The system was deactivated years ago because it did not work. The city now uses the Code Red Alert System where citizens are notified about impending weather through their phones. Chief Brian Hubbard asked to take the siren system out of inventory and destroy the equipment.
The monthly financial report shows revenue from the city’s 1-percent sales tax continues to be up compared to 2016. For April, the city received $64,037, compared to $52,628 received in March 2016. County sales tax revenues decreased from $92,046 in March 2016 to $89,619 in March 2017.