by VERONICA GORDON
When the city of Buda sought bids for the rehabilitation of the pond at Stagecoach Park, they didn’t expect to get such hefty responses.
City engineers received bids from two companies that were way above the budget for the project. One company requested $185,000 and the other company requested $287,000.
That’s when the planning department decided it would be more cost-effective to have city crews do the work and save taxpayers on a job that was estimated to cost about $50,000. The city will use money from the parks capital fund.
“Both bids were rejected,” City Engineer Stanley Fees told city council members at last month’s meeting.
“I think we can all agree that those two bids are absolutely ridiculous,” said city council member Cathy Chilcote. “I would say to staff to go forward.”
Buda Public Works staff were directed to provide the equipment and manpower for the project. Public Works Director Mike Beggs oversaw the rehab work. The pond was drained and dried for the sealing process to prepare for the new liner.
“The project was needed as the original pond clay liner installed during construction of the pond in 2008 leaked water,” said Parks and Recreation Director Jack Jones. “We would like to keep the pond full at all times utilizing effluent (treated) water instead of potable water as this was the intent of the construction of the pond, especially during drought conditions. In order to begin use of effluent (treated) water to maintain the water level in the pond, TCEQ requires that the pond does not leak. Sodium bentonite is the pond liner and it was mixed into the existing clay material.”
Jones said the pond has been completely filled.
“We are currently monitoring the water level,” Jones said. “Two water fountains will be added this week.”
