Temple council approves $2.16 million contract for Friars Creek detention project after public questions

Temple City Council voted to authorize a construction contract with RT Schneider Construction Company of Belton, Texas, for the Friars Creek Detention Pond project in the estimated amount of $2,156,790.90.

The item, listed as consent agenda item 4f but pulled for separate consideration, passed after a motion by Council member Grant and a second by Council member Kuykendahl. The motion carried with three votes in favor and one abstention.

Resident Alan Lytle raised concerns during public comment about the price, saying, "That has to be a heck of a detention pond because I can't imagine spending that kind of money to dig a hole." City staff responded later in the meeting that the work goes beyond a simple basin: "It is much more than just simply building a detention pond. It includes all of the ancillary work to get to that point," a staff speaker said, describing extensive drainage work and engineering associated with the project.

The resolution authorizes the contract award to RT Schneider Construction Company and sets the estimated total at $2,156,790.90. The council did not record additional conditions or amendments to the contract in the meeting transcript.

Next steps for the project, including schedule, construction milestones, and any required permitting, were not specified during the meeting.