Board awards contracts and sets deadlines for multi‑phase Homestead 215 drainage project

The Noble County Drainage Board voted to accept staff recommendations to award unit‑priced contracts for phases two and three of the Homestead 215 drainage reconstruction and reviewed scheduling and billing deadlines intended to keep the project on track.

Staff told the board the first phase (south side of Drake Road to east of Beacon Road) had an actual cost of $203,051.44. For phase two staff recommended L I Excavating for installation ($39,410), Hixson Sand and Gravel for tile materials and fittings ($67,524.57) and Pulver Asphalt for stone — putting phase two at an estimated $161,934.57. For phase three staff recommended Drainage and Excavation for installation ($19,805), Hixson for tile materials ($41,511.50) and Pulver for stone ($41,800), an estimated $103,116.50 for phase three. The three phases total $468,102.51, which staff noted is below the previously advertised estimate of about $476,329.06 from the earlier hearing.

Staff laid out key deadlines: completion of phase one by Aug. 14 this year; certification of collections before the October 26 board meeting (to allow billing and assessment procedures); and an overall construction deadline of Nov. 10 of next year. Staff cautioned that meeting these dates is required for timely collections and noted unit pricing will allow adjustments for actual quantities used on site.

A board member moved to approve staff’s recommendations for phases two and three and the motion was seconded and adopted by voice vote. Staff said L I Excavating expects to mobilize in early July for phase two and that de‑brushing and preparatory work are already underway.

The board emphasized that unit pricing means quantities and final totals could change; staff also reminded members of the drainage code’s allowance to increase advertised assessment amounts by up to 10 percent if required by final costs.