Engineer reports new well producing 1,200 gpm; council approves umbrella engineering contract to pursue $11M and $16M funding

The Helena-West Helena City Council heard an engineer's progress report on a newly completed municipal well and approved an umbrella engineering services contract to let staff write project-specific task orders and pursue major loan/grant funding.

Ken Wyland, the engineer on site, told the council the new well exceeded expectations and is producing about 1,200 gallons per minute. Wyland said the city should plan for a standby well, prioritize treatment-plant work (including replacement of filter media), and replace the worst-leaking distribution lines first. He also noted tank maintenance and painting will be necessary in both Helena and West Helena.

To move work forward, staff presented a 64-page umbrella engineering contract based on standard joint contract documents. The city attorney and staff recommended council approval subject to final attorney review and the mayor's signature so the city can apply for $11 million and $16 million in funding for Helena and West Helena, respectively. The clerk recorded a motion (with a second) to approve the umbrella contract subject to review; council carried the motion and directed staff to proceed with task orders when funding is available.

Councilors and staff discussed procurement details, noting that Arkansas Natural Resources Commission (ANRC) rules and loan-reimbursement procedures influence acceptable fee formats. Staff advised a fee-schedule/hourly approach rather than a lump sum for flexibility when multiple projects and evolving scopes are expected.

What's next: Staff will finalize the contract language, obtain the mayor's signature after legal review, and prepare task orders for priority projects once loan/grant funds are confirmed. The council asked for periodic updates as task orders are issued and funds are received.