The Decatur Board of Works on Tuesday, July 7, approved a series of actions tied to the city’s ongoing water‑system construction project, along with equipment purchases and personnel updates across multiple departments.
Members began by approving minutes from three previous meetings. The board then authorized an amended task order with the city’s engineering consultant for the water project. Officials said the update covers final construction‑phase engineering, adds three inspectors for roughly 450 days of work, and includes additional investigative tasks needed to complete the engineering portion of the project.
The board also approved a subcontract with a regional administrative council to oversee Davis‑Bacon wage compliance for contractors and subcontractors involved in the project.
Four construction contracts for the water‑system work were approved individually. Three were approved outright, while one received conditional approval pending receipt of required performance‑bond and insurance documents.
Members also authorized two rail‑line encroachment agreements with the rail operator, allowing the city to bore under the line to install new water infrastructure. Each agreement includes a $750 license fee. Staff noted the rail segment is still used periodically by an industrial customer.
City staff reported sending 850 notices to property owners regarding potential service‑line replacements and said early responses have been strong.
Two personnel appointments were made official: one to the deputy police chief position and another to the assistant water superintendent role.
The wastewater department received approval to upgrade telemetry systems through a pump‑service contractor, including an optional $3,900 add‑on. The board also approved garage‑door work at a wastewater facility and authorized staff to sign the contract.
The fire department received approval to purchase four handheld radios from a communications‑equipment vendor, with authorization for the fire chief to sign.
For the street department, the board approved purchasing three 2026 pickup trucks from a local dealership. The ordered‑vehicle option is expected to arrive in September.
To close the meeting, members authorized the mayor and city attorney to sign agreed findings in the consolidated eminent‑domain case involving the bridge project.
The meeting adjourned without additional discussion.
Readers may review the full meeting recording at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7v8TJmxHQI, as several portions of the audio were difficult to hear.