City seeks $421,000 authorization for Beacon Hill water‑main design package

City management presented a task authorization request with Jones Edmonds for the Beacon Hill water‑main replacement project, describing it as one of several aging‑infrastructure projects across the city prioritized by an asset‑management plan.

"The scope of the project will include the development of an engineered design package, also construction of approximately 11,000 feet of new water mains," the city manager said. The contract includes field investigations, design, permitting and sealed record drawings for a base fee of $218,000; optional construction‑phase services and contingency are quoted up to $203,000, producing a total not‑to‑exceed cost of $421,000. Staff asked the commission to authorize the appropriation necessary to fund the design work, noting that design would begin immediately upon approval and is expected to complete within six months of notice to proceed.

Water utilities director (Speaker 3) added that the work will also improve fire protection in the neighborhood by replacing two‑inch mains and described prioritization of mains by age and recurring problems. Commissioners asked about prioritization lists and how projects are phased; staff said prioritization documents are available for review.

The matter will proceed to the formal commission agenda for authorization and appropriation.