The city of Lincoln has issued a request for qualifications from engineering firms to design the plans for a new reserve water tank to hold millions of gallons of water.
Lincoln City Council recently approved an option to purchase two acres off Jackson Highway for $22,000, contingent on a geophysical study showing the land would be suitable for a tank. Marsha Hedge owns the land.
Lincoln purchases its water from Benton/Washington Regional Public Water Authority (commonly known as Two Ton) and the authority wants its customers to have storage capacity for emergencies, drought or an event that could create a large demand for water.
Larry Oelrich, who serves on the authority's board for directors, said the Arkansas Department of Health recommends storage capacity that would meet customers' needs for one to two days, if necessary. Past two days, water becomes stagnant, Oelrich said.
Lincoln Mayor Rob Hulse said city staff and Council members have talked about the need for a water storage tank to meet Two Ton's requirement and now the project is starting to move forward.
Lincoln paid Hedge $500 to have the option to purchase the land any time on or before Dec. 31, 2019. The contract gives the city access to the property for geological and physical testing. If the land proves suitable, the city can proceed to exercise the option.
According to the document, both parties would equally split the closing costs. The city would be responsible for the costs of a survey, cost of obtaining a lot split and the preparation of a warranty deed. Hedge would pay applicable property taxes.
City attorney Steven Parker said an engineering firm would design the tank and look at any changes that may be needed for water lines. He said he thought the firm most likely would subcontract the geophysical testing of the land.
The request for qualifications for an engineering firm does not fall under the state requirement for a bidding process because it is considered professional services, Parker said.
"You don't bid it because you want to decide who best fits your needs," he added.
Rhonda Hulse, city business manager and grants coordinator, said the City Council would consider the qualification proposals submitted by engineering firms and make a final decision.
She said the city believes it will need a tank that holds around 2 million gallons of water. The costs to build and install a new tank are unknown but Rhonda Hulse said one estimate is around $4.5 million.
Currently, the city has 2,450 water customers who use an average of 4,000 gallons per month, according to Hulse.
In other action Nov. 21, City Council approved a resolution to declare three vehicles as surplus and authorized the mayor to sell the vehicles. It also voted to sell or exchange a 2005 Sterling trash truck by taking competitive bids and approved a recommendation to move the part-time library clerk to the position of part-time children's librarian.
Council members approved longevity bonuses for city employees for a total cost of $23,000. Full-time employees who have been with the city five years or more will receive a $1,000 bonus, $600 for one to four years and $300 for three months to one year. Part-time bonuses range from $75 to $300, depending on time with the city.
General News on 12/13/2017