Abbeville council approves roughly $30,500 change order to add eight air-relief valves to LCDBG sewer project

The Abbeville City Council approved a change to the city’s fiscal-year LCDBG sewer rehabilitation contract to install eight air-relief valves at an approximate cost of $30,500.

The measure, moved by Councilwoman Broussard and seconded by Councilwoman Hardy, passed on a voice vote with no recorded opposition. Todd (staff member) told the council the valves are intended to release air trapped at high points on both sides of the river so pumps can function.

Todd said, “the contractor attempted to start a pump station and… we’ve got some air trapped on the high points on each side of the river.” He said the valves would “get rid of that air and allow the pumps to function.” Council members noted the $30,500 figure is approximate and that the city was still finalizing a price with the contractor.

City staff also told the council the larger three-year sewer project remains under budget by about $130,000. Council members discussed that the ongoing multiyear project limits the city’s ability to pursue additional funding until the current scope is closed in Baton Rouge.

The change order applies to the LCDBG (Louisiana Community Development Block Grant) funded sewer rehabilitation contract for Fiscal Year 2020–21. No further amendments or a timeline for the valve installation were specified during the discussion.

Council members voted to approve the appropriation as presented; staff said the contractor and final pricing were still being confirmed.

The council moved on to other agenda items after the vote; staff will finalize the contractor cost and report back to the council as needed.