Council discusses waterline project

A Painesville waterline project that was first approved in 2014 was revisited at the most recent council meeting.

Water Plant and Distribution Chief Operator Frank McKeon presented a resolution asking council to move the project forward by allowing City Manager Monica Irelan to advertise for bids and enter into a contract with the lowest and best bidder.

“This phase of the project is to install 362 feet of 12-inch water main under Route 44 bridge in the ODOT right-of-way,” he said. “This project originally went out for

bid in 2014, however contractors did not bid on the project.”

Since then, McKeon said Mannick and Smith Group proposed a jack- and-bore base bid for about $98,000.

“They also proposed an open cut option as an add/deduct alternate for $56, 432,” he said.

Irelan said the project has already been budgeted for.

The orginal legislation states that replacing aging waterlines is necessary because the continued use could lead to frequent and costly repairs.

There has also been discussion about combining this waterline project with the Pearl Street project when putting it out for bid, McKeon adds.

However, he says there are pros and cons to combining the projects.

Administration and the Water Plant and Distribution will continue to discuss the best and advantageous

way to bid the project.

The waterline project has many benefits including it will provide an additional water main line to Shamrock Blvd. Business District.

This legislation will advance to the second reading and will be revisited at the April 17 regular council meeting.