The Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen got some more input about a lagoon project from an engineer at its special meeting on Wednesday, January 17.
According to a release from the city, Mike Hall, of McClure Engineering, told the board that he had opened bids for the project, and they came in higher than expected. He reportedly informed the board in the first bidding process he added the sludge to be removed.
Hall told the board the current construction plans are very difficult, and he was concerned with cost overrun. He said because of the potential for cost overruns, he recommended the board change plans and go with a new system called “Triple Point,” which he said works with the existing lagoon, is operator-friendly and is built to last.
Mayor Dee Friel asked the board to vote to reject all of the bids, which was approved by the aldermen.
Aldermen then voted to authorize McClure Engineering to redesign and revise the plans with an alternative “Triple Point” system; to have McClure Engineering submit the redesign and revised plans to DNR and the USDA for approval; and once it’s approved, for the city to advertise and accept bids on the project. Aldermen also approved a motion to have Nutri-Ject Systems perform sample testing.