City’s floodplain costs surge, prompt financing concerns
RANDOLPH — The Randolph City Council will be exploring financing options to come up with additional costs for the floodplain project.
The Army Corp of Engineers updated its Phase II floodplain cost projections and council members were informed at its regular meeting last week. The city’s contribution to the next phase increased by several million dollars based on surges in cost of materials and the size of the project.
Phase II includes more erosion protection than originally estimated in the feasibility study, said Greg Johnson, planning branch section chief of the Corps of Engineers. In fact, $3 million will be spent on rocks alone, he said.
The bridge is a more complicated erosion risk, he said. The channel alignment is straight, but the Douglas Street design changed, Johnson said.
“We are trying to design it, so it is resilient to make it as robust as possible,’’ Johnson said. “I will talk to the engineers and see if we can refine the design. We want to work with you to get the project resolved.’’
The total cost of the floodplain project is now forecasted well above the originally estimated $13.7 million, which surpasses the federal funding cap. The city has already secured funding through a USDA loan and grant funding through the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District.
A variety of options are open to the council to finance the additional projected costs for Phase II. For example, the city could analyze bids and pick and choose which they could afford at that time, said Jen Gitt, project manager for the Corps of Engineers.
To reduce costs, the covered area could also be reduced and not extend into Pierce County, the Corps suggested.
If the project doesn’t stretch into Pierce county, $75,000 would have to be refunded, said City Administrator Ben Benton.
Another option to reduce cost would be to remove the Douglas Street bridge from the project at a savings of nearly $1.8 million.
The floodplain project Phase II bid will be awarded on Sept. 14.
The council set a special meeting of 6:30 pm, Wednesday, May 19 to discuss floodplain financing solutions.
The council also discussed results from a citizen survey on the non-emergency whistle frequency.
A total of 215 surveys were completed from paper and electronic forms, said Josh Rayford, deputy clerk. Rayford said 185 surveys were tallied with the others illegible.
According to the survey results, 81 percent of respondents preferred to keep the whistle sounding four times per day; 14 percent preferred no whistle at all; and 5 percent preferred keeping the whistle but at a reduced frequency.
The survey was promoted on social media and with a sign in the city office. It was also mentioned in The Randolph Times.
The council will vote on the non-emergency whistle schedule at their special meeting May 19.
Underground electrical service was also a topic brought to the council’s attention at its last meeting.
Roger Young of Pierce addressed the council on behalf of his son, Corey, who has lived in Randolph for 20 years.
Young said electrical service will need to be put in the home and the wires will be extremely low if they are put above ground.
“We would like to see the city put in underground service to the conduit,’’ he said.
“We would like to see you amend city code to allow for this process.’’
The estimated cost for the city will be about $500 with Young’s expense at $350.
The item will be placed on next month’s regular meeting agenda.
At its last regular meeting, the council also:
• Heard an economic development update from City Administrator Ben Benton. He indicated that Randolph is a proposed site for a new business.
• Discussed funding for new signage. Cedar County approved a $2,500 grant and Pierce County approved a $500 grant. The Randolph Area Foundation will cover $1,134 for both signs.
• Approved an annual cemetery plot fee of $5 to help the city identify plots available for re-sale.
• Heard an update on street repair and briefly discussed the need for lift pump renovations for the wastewater treatment plant.
• Approved a demolish order and warrant for internal inspection at 202 W. Broadway St.
• Approved an update of the city’s master fee schedule excluding utilities.
• Accepted Sue Meyer’s resignation from the park board.
• Approved various permits including a 500-gallon propane tank permit at 707 Main St.; a 2,000-gallon diesel tank at 311 S. Main St.; a floodplain development and curb cut for 405 E. Hughson St.
• Heard an update on email utility billing. Five percent are using the service.
• Heard that the city’s used pickup will be used by the fire department for training.
• Approved single-day liquor licenses for upcoming weddings and events.
The city entered executive session at the conclusion of their meeting.
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