Newberg council authorizes replacement of two downtown water valves after staff finds one non-repairable

The Newberg City Council unanimously approved a resolution Feb. 17 authorizing the city manager to sign contracts to replace two aging water-main valves near North Edwards and East 1st Street.

City public works staff told the council that excavation revealed the 18-inch valve has a body leak that cannot be repaired and that an 80-year-old 12-inch valve cannot fully close. "It's actually in the body of the valve," the presenter said, describing the 18-inch valve as non-repairable and continuing to deteriorate.

Staff provided cost estimates between $60,000 and $120,000 and said they do not anticipate exceeding $100,000 but could exceed that amount given site complexity. Work will require isolating an area that includes 1st Street from Center Street to School Street and Edward Street from Vermillion to 5th Street, which would affect downtown businesses and many residents. To limit disruptions, staff said the replacement will be done at night and will involve two crews working simultaneously.

The council moved and seconded the resolution; a voice vote passed unanimously. The resolution authorizes the city manager to execute necessary documents and contracts to complete the replacements.

Staff said the work will include coordination with the Oregon Department of Transportation and ODOT-related ADA ramp improvements; ODOT indicated related ramp work may begin around July 1, and staff said city crews aim to complete the valve replacements in May or June to avoid conflicts. Project planning will include public notifications and meter shut-offs to protect businesses during dewatering.

Funding for the work, staff said, will come from an existing pipe replacement fund set aside for unexpected below-grade discoveries; no additional appropriation was requested at the meeting. Staff said final contractor bids will be solicited and brought back under the authorization the council approved.

The council did not alter the authorization at the meeting. The next steps listed by staff were final design and bidding, notification to affected downtown properties and execution of contracts under the manager's delegated authority.