City back at work with engineering firm

The engineering firm of Carter and Sloope is working its way back into the confidence of Comer’s City Council.

The break between the city and the firm occurred late in 2011 over what city officials felt were lax billing practices The firm had submitted a bill for over $25,000 that had accumulated over several years without any specifics as to what the bill covered.

Now the firm is completing paperwork to submit to the state DOT concerning utilities at the west city limits as part of the preparation for extending the four-lane section of Hwy. 72. The city will be billed $4,986.23 for the work, which is expected to be refunded from the state DOT when the project begins. Meanwhile, Carter and Sloope has waived past charges of $25,356.

Another project involving Carter and Sloope will be an application to the EPD for the installation of a second aeration pump in the sewage treatment pond. The city received a letter from EPD critical of its failure to make progress on problems at the pond. The city has 60 days to respond to EPD’s letter.

The city agreed to waive a fee of $1,100 for construction at Comer elementary. This agreement was with the Madison County Department of Education and involves an improvement project at the school. Meanwhile, the city will allow a quarterly program by the Department of Transportation at the city’s travel museum.