Bids are in and workers ready, but sticky negotiations are clogging up resolution of a collapsed storm sewer situation.
“We need the easement before we can work on this,? said City Manager Dennis Ritter, at the Jan. 12 Clarkston City Council meeting.
Three construction companies submitted two bids each to repair Washington Street resident Norm Cristea’s sewer, which collapsed in his front yard three weeks ago.
The first bid is to reroute the sewer down to Clarkston Mills property, which neighbors Cristea. The other option is to go under Cristea’s driveway.
Clarkston Mills property owner Ed Adler initially supported using his property, but later told Ritter he did not want to participate.
“They didn’t want to give up the land. They have plans over there,? said Ritter. ‘The only alternative is to go down Mr. Cristea’s driveway, which would be the east property line.?
The bid was awarded to V.I.L. Construction Inc., with the lowest bid of $50,980 down the driveway, and $53,880 for the easement.
“Gary Tressle selected V.I.L. Construction Inc. to be the best company to work with,” said Ritter. ‘He’s very familiar with them.?
However, Cristea said he will not give permission until the city agrees to conditions.
‘One, to remedy all the past and post building damages associated with the damaged drain and rerouting and, two, to restore the property in connection with granting any easements,? he said.
Cristea hired McDowell and Associates Engineering to look at his property and make their own assessment of damage caused by the drain.
“This problem should have been resolved five year ago when first discovered,” Cristea said in an e-mail to Ritter and City Mayor Stephen Arkwright. “Or, as an alternate, you can purchase the house and use it for the new city offices.?
Independence Township Trustee Mark Petterson, who attended the meeting, said the council should fix it.
“If you have a hole in your roof and you put it off, what’s going to happen,” asked Petterson. ‘It’s just going to cost you more money in the long run. Letting something deteriorate over time, that is just irresponsible on their part.?
After talking with two contractors who were bidding for the job and seeing their plans, Cristea said he saw ‘very few items for restoration? written into them.
“The plans do not require replacement of trees, restoration of the front retaining wall, paver-sidewalk and landscaping,? he said.
He was also concerned about two new manholes placed in his driveway, vibrations from heavy construction equipment close to the house, and setback requirements.
“The biggest concern I have is if we have another weather incident like we did before New Year’s, it’s going to be a serious problem,? said Ritter. ‘We need to get going.?
City Attorney Tom Ryan said it was in ‘everbody’s best interest? to come to an agreement because if they went to court for a “condemnation? case, it would take about 6-8 weeks.
Arkwright told Cristea that the council understands his position.
“We’re not making light of it, but we need to move on this project,? Arkwright said. ‘We will do the best we can, whatever is appropriate, to restore the property as deemed by those who make those decisions for us.?
“The sooner we can get to this project and finish it up everything will be better,? Ritter said. ‘It’s all about the public safety, and public health of the community.?