BRENHAM CITY COUNCIL TAKES STEPS FORWARD IN FM 389 DRAINAGE PROJECT
The Brenham City Council has begun laying down groundwork for future drainage improvements around FM 389.
The council at its meeting today (Thursday) approved an advance funding agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) for the project.
The city has budgeted $334,000 for the project, which consists of drainage improvements and storm sewer enhancements beginning on Tracye Lee Drive leading to Blake Drive, and eventually crossing FM 389.
Public Works Director Dane Rau said only the city is funding the project, but as it is crossing TxDOT right-of-way, the agreement is required.
Also in session, the council approved a change order and final payment for storm damage repairs at Schulte Boulevard. Back in March, the council awarded a contract to Solid Bridge Construction, LLC, for drainage enhancements related to the May 2016 storm. Rau said work was completed in June.
A change order of $5,300 was approved which consisted of the extension of a 48-inch RCP drainage pipe, in addition to placing additional rip-rap along both end treatment devices, to protect against erosion issues in the future.
With the change order, final payment came out to $80,900. The scope of work was approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the city expects FEMA will reimburse the city up to 75 percent.
The council also approved an audit engagement letter from Seidel Schroeder to perform an audit for the Fiscal Year ending September 30th. Finance Director Carolyn Miller said the audit fee range of $43,900 to $45,900 is the same as the past year.
After the meeting was adjourned, councilmembers reconvened in the City Hall conference room to continue budget discussion.
Seems 389 is a topic these days with the construction that seems to just keep going and going with no end in sight.
When we get a heavy rain the road floods by the police station worse than before this lifelong construction project began so who didn’t study their lesson.
With the oil field traffic doubling on 389 it is for sure the overweight trucks will destroy the rest of it , seems there is no license and weight enforcement because the speed these trucks are traveling with the weight they are carrying have created huge holes in the pavement, TX Dot staying busy with repairs from one hole to the next .
The future for 389 in grim at best , its time these companies take a little responsibility.