City to rebid water and sewer project

The city of Jamestown will again solicit bids for construction of water and sewer lines to Titan Machinery, the Jamestown Public Works Committee decided Thursday.

Original bids were opened on Oct. 16. No bid was awarded due to the territorial dispute between Jamestown and Stutsman Rural Water District. The dispute remains unresolved and it is still unclear which organization will provide water to Titan Machinery.

The new bid specifications break the project into separate segments with the city having the ability to award a contract for just the sewer portion of the project. The city could also break the water project into two segments and award none, one or both, depending upon the results of negotiations with Stutsman Rural Water.

“I think it’s time to blank or get off the pot,” said Reed Schwartzkopf, city engineer. “If it’s only a sewer line it’s only a sewer line but we have to move forward.”

In other business, the Public Works Committee authorized additional engineering services for Ulteig Engineering relating to the East Business Loop project. The East Business Loop project replaced water and sewer lines and rebuilt roads in the East Business Loop area. The project was delayed by high water and extended into a second year. Disagreements with Sellin Brothers, the contractors on the project, have required additional engineering work and may require further time if the issue goes to arbitration. In total the additional engineering costs could reach about $60,000.

The committee also authorized the city engineer to get more price quotes for testing work related to the slope above the amphitheater at Frontier Village. One estimate from Midwest Testing totaled up to $40,000 depending on the level of testing performed.

A retaining wall added above the amphitheater has caused the entire hillside to destabilize. Schwartzkopf said it could potentially damage water mains and the city’s water tank at the top of the hill if the slope is not stabilized. The soil testing will determine the structural integrity of the slope and suggest recommendations for solutions, it does not include the design or construction of any solution necessary to stabilize the slope.

Sun reporter Keith Norman can be reached at 701-952-8452 or by email at knorman@jamestownsun.com

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