Carefree Truth

Issue #388, April 4 , 2015

 

 

 

Gary Neiss explained that in the summer of 2014 Arizona experienced a record monsoon season, enhanced by the remnants of tropical storms coming up the Baja peninsula and delivering 12" inches of rain within a 3 week period.  This caused tremendous infrastructure damage throughout the Valley, with significant street side erosion, wash erosion and realignment, and some street damage.  Some swales that had been inches deep became feet deep.  Carefree's Public Works Department has labored for 6 months fixing damage.  Many issues were fixed, but more work is still needed.  The damage in both Carefree and Cave Creek was extensive, particularly along the Galloway wash.  

 

 

 

Solutions have been found to fix the worst problems, which occurred along Piedro Grande Drive and Tranquil Trail. The cut off walls, which were originally erected before Carefree was annexed from Maricopa County and do not meet today's standards, will be rebuilt to current standards.  Approximately 10 feet of road width will be filled and compacted, then will receive 3 inches of residential specification asphalt.

 

 

 

In September, the Governor declared a state of emergency, making State funds available to repair qualifying infrastructure projects.  In October, applications were reviewed by the Arizona Department of Emergency Management (ADEM).  In November, the Federal Government added funding through FEMA, bringing the mix to 75% Federal, 15% State, and 10% Local funding.  In December, the project scope was reviewed and approved by ADEM.  In January, Requests for Quotes (RFQ) were prepared, and environmental clearances were performed.  In February, RFQs were distributed and advertised for 2 weeks, and proposals were opened.  5 quotes were received in mid February.  At the March Council meeting, the contract was to be discussed and awarded, after which a pre-construction meeting would be held, and a notice to proceed would be issued.  In April, the project would be completed.  

 

 

 

The Town estimated the project would cost $146,700.  Town Engineer Greg Crossman reviewed the bids and work histories, and agreed that S&S Paving and Construction was the lowest responsible bidder at $119,152.75.  Councilman Glenn Miller asked if this included the water replacement line on Sombero Road, and was told that it does.

 

 

 

Funds from the Contingency line in the Town budget will be used to pay for the work, and Carefree will be reimbursed for the amounts agreed to by the State and Federal governments. The Federal reimbursement will be $89,400, the State will reimburse $17,900, and Carefree's share will be $11,850.  Reimbursement is expected promptly, as Carefree has been meticulously compliant with all the rules and requirements throughout the process.

 

 

 

Mr. Miller complimented the Town staff on a job well done.  Councilman John Crane asked if his understanding that all 3 repair projects were submitted and accepted was correct.  That was confirmed by Mr. Neiss.  Mayor Les Peterson asked Mr. Crossman how comfortable he is with S&S.  Mr. Crossman replied that he had checked 6 references, all of which were "glowing", and he is entirely comfortable with S&S. The Council unanimously voted to approve awarding the contract to S&S Paving and Construction.  

 

 

 

As Mayor Peterson began the process to adjourn the meeting, Councilman Mike Farrar asked to speak.  He said the he was disappointed by Mr. Miller's attempt to quiet his voice on the Ed Lewis project.  He looked forward to the opportunity to rebut the remarks against his character and reputation. Mr. Miller replied that he stood by his assertion of Mr. Farrar's conflict of interest.

 

https://vimeo.com/user18676056/review/121600088/db765657c6

 

 

Lyn Hitchon

 

 

 

Prepared by Carefree Truth

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