Three main agenda items dominated the Buda City Council’s first meeting of the new year – the purchase of books for the new library, an agreement to relocate utilities and a professional services agreement.
The items dealt with projects approved in the November 2014 bond election. The new $21 million municipal building, which includes administration and the new library, is expected to be ready for move-in in mid-April.
New books for library
Buda Library Director Melinda Hodges requested the council approve the purchase of 18,0000 new books for the new library for an “opening day collection”.
The books would be purchased from Ingram Content Group at a cost of approximately $315,000.
Hodges said the Buda Library has been using Ingram as its book supplier for five years. Council unanimously approved the purchase order.
Relocation of utilities
City Engineer John Nett and Allen Crozier with HDR Engineering updated the council on an agreement with the Goforth Special Utility District (SUD).
Crozier said the Goforth SUD board had already approved the proposed agreement between the two entities which would not increase the rate of their services or their cost for those services.
Crozier told council members that, depending on when the permitting was approved by TCEQ, the project could be breaking ground as early as March of this year.
Council members approved the agreement unanimously.
Wastewater plant oversight
The council delayed a final vote on an agreement for more oversight of the wastewater treatment plant phase 3 project.
Aaron Archer with Walker Partners, LLC presented the council with a possible $500,000 two-year professional services agreement to oversee the construction inspection services on the wastewater plant project.
Nett explained that Buda city staff approached Walker Partners about help with the project because it was a large capital improvement project (CIP).
Archer said additional oversight is needed on large construction projects, to help ensure construction accuracy.
Council members were in favor of having an extra few pairs of eyes to oversee the project but were unsure of the proposed contract and associated $500,000 price tag.
Council members Paul Daugereau and Evan Ture supported tabling the item until the Jan. 16 council meeting, giving staff and council members time to go over the proposed professional services agreement.
Council members also requested that the water/wastewater committee take a look at the proposed agreement, along with the City Attorney George Hyde, before the agenda item returns to the dais.
