Homeowners say sewer line settled after water project; city billed contractor for repair costs

Michael and Glenda Uhlrich told the Washington City Council on Feb. 7 that a sewer repair at their property at 118 East College Street failed after work done during the city water project.

According to the minutes, Pure Energy attempted to rod the line on Jan. 12 but the problem persisted. On Jan. 26, Randy Latta of Latta Plumbing ran a camera in the line and discovered the repaired section had settled and torn apart. Latta notified city staff of the findings.

Orr Wyatt, the contractor identified in the minutes as performing work during the water project, did not have a crew available to make the corrective repair when contacted. The contractor’s representative, Guy Howell, asked that staff perform the repair and bill Orr Wyatt for the labor and subcontractor charges; the city subsequently sent invoices for city labor, Pure Energy and Latta Plumbing to Orr Wyatt seeking reimbursement.

City Administrator Carl Chalfant reported staff contact with Orr Wyatt and that billing had been issued to the contractor. The minutes do not show a council vote or formal direction on the matter during the meeting; they record the staff follow-up and invoices sent to the contractor.

The minutes do not state whether Orr Wyatt has accepted responsibility or a timeline for payment, nor whether the Uhlrichs were told whether the city would cover interim repair costs.