Council hears explanation of $2.49 million storm-drain contract increase

The Mobile City Council reviewed a contract amendment on May 5 that would increase McElhenney Construction’s annual storm-drain maintenance contract by $2,490,000.

Council members asked whether the increase reflected added scope or a continuation of existing work. Staff said the amendment continues work already underway — noting Cromwell Place as part of the current phase — and that the locations covered extend across all city districts. "This is continuation of our existing contract," a staff member said, adding that the amendment allows work to continue to completion.

A council member asked for a list of project locations and future projects; staff agreed to share a project list and supporting resources with council members. The clerk introduced the amendment during the consent/resolutions portion of the pre-meeting; the council’s discussion focused on contract continuation and the need for assurance that the work already started would be completed.

The pre-meeting did not record a final vote on the amendment; it was introduced as part of consent resolutions and discussed as continuing the current contract.