EVANSTON — City Council members unanimously approved a resolution on Tuesday, July 11, authorizing an increase for services on the Fairground Sewer Project.

During the special city council session held on June 27, the council approved the bid and contract with Longhorn Construction for the sewer project, with design and construction management services provided by Cook-Sanders and Associates Inc.

According to city engineer Dean Barker, the city was able to do all portions of the projected sewer project because the bid was so low.

“Since we’re able to do all parts of the project, it increases Cook-Sanders’ work on the project,” he said. “They’ll have to do more surveying, inspections and other work. The work is worth the money.”

The amendment to the agreement with Cook-Sanders approves an increase of nearly $19,000.

Barker said it could end up being less, because some of the cost is based on time and materials.

Councilwoman Wendy Schuler asked, “Will we still make budget with these additional fees?”

Barker said they’ll still be well under budget, since they received such a great bid from Longhorn.

“We are getting a lot of work done for a great price,” said Barker.

In other business, council members approved a limited malt beverage permit, an open container permit and a street closure permit for the Evanston Brew Fest on Saturday, July 22.

The open container permit and street closures allow participants to walk around and shop downtown during and after the festivities.

In new business, the council approved several resolutions.

Resolution 17-38, authorizes the submission of a grant application for federal funding through the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) for the Safe Routes to the Evanston Aspen Elementary Program.

According to Evanston Community Development Coordinator Mieke Madrid, TAP is administered by the Wyoming Department of Transportation, and holds its safe routes program as a high priority.

The city has determined three routes in need of work on the Aspen Safe Routes Project.

“There are no sidewalks in the area,” said Madrid. “The entire project will cost approximately $496,557. We have prioritized the routes, hoping to at least receive some grant money.”

The project has already been approved as a capital project, and would provide sidewalks and lighting in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Grant proposal submissions were due this week, with notification of awards expected in November.

“If we are awarded funds, the project would begin in 2018,” said Madrid.

Mayor Kent Williams acknowledged the various complaints city officials have received concerning the safety of kids walking to school, but asked if anyone didn’t want sidewalks in the neighborhood.

Schuler said there were residents in the past who didn’t want to maintain sidewalks, but added she believes there is a younger demographic who would appreciate it now.

Resolution 17-39 was approved, authorizing an underground right-of-way easement to Rocky Mountain Power to provide electric power to the splash pad to be constructed at Hamblin Park.

“The power will run from the north side of Bear River Drive to the south side to Hamblin Park,” said Barker.

Barker said the new power line will run to the pump house of the splash pad, where the meter will be located.

Schuler asked if any trees would be uprooted with the project.

“We may have to remove a couple of small trees,” said Evanston Parks and Rec Director Jay Dee Nielsen. “We don’t anticipate any large trees being disturbed.”

Splash pad representative Dustin Matthews said the group is planning a ground-breaking event in a few weeks to raise more funds and celebrate the progress.

Closing out new business, Resolution 17-41 authorizing an addendum to the lease agreement with High Country Behavior Health was approved.

Evanston City Clerk Amy Grenfell said High Country approached the city, as they have encountered difficulties with their main entrance doors.

“We’ve had to adjust the tension on the main doors to keep the wind from damaging them,” she said. “They are difficult to open and they wish to change the entrance.”

Grenfell said they want to build a half-wall at the entrance and install sliding doors on the exterior and push button doors on the interior.

“The project, including the power to the doors, is $16,000, which they are willing to pay,” she said. “If they purchase the property, they request it goes toward the purchase; and if they don’t purchase, it would be reimbursed.”

Councilman Mike Sellers asked when the project would begin, and when their lease with option to purchase ends.

“They have their board meeting on July 17. If approved it would start right away,” said Grenfell. “The lease began in 2012 and ends in spring of 2019.”

Grenfell said High Country has shown interest in purchasing the property, and its board is currently discussing that prospect.

As the meeting adjourned, Nielsen said he wanted to thank everyone who helped with the July 4th festivities.

“It was a community effort,” he said. “The day turned out well.”