Sewer district criticizes engineering firm
By Debbie Lowe Staff writer

The engineering firm hired to provide design and construction oversight for Phase III and Phase IIIB construction for the Twin Lakes Regional Sewer District received feedback at the Thursday night sewer district meeting that may not have been welcome.

GRW Inc. of Indianapolis representative Joe Tierney first heard the board decide to obtain two additional quotes for design and construction administration of a planned office building, as recommended by projects committee chair and Carroll County board member Wayne Garrison. GRW submitted a quote for consideration prior to the meeting.

Next came a discussion with Tierney about Phase IIIB (Carroll County) easements. Tierney was told the board expected his firm to be more flexible and clear with customers about meeting with them and coming to agreement about plans.

Garrison said Jefferson Township property owner Ted Crowel, who received two sets of easement plans from GRW, was not able to accommodate the firm's proposed meeting time to discuss the easement. GRW sent a letter to some board members and TLRSD Superintendent Mike Darter recommending legal action be taken to obtain the required easement.

Garrison said the board first learned about the problem when the letter was received.

Garrison, board treasurer Art Anderson and president Jim Smith all expressed concern with GRW's recommendation.

"I don't think you've done a good job," Anderson said. "I feel like we're training you," he continued. "We thought we were hiring an organization that already knew what they were doing."

"It's taken too many months to get the easements done," Smith said.

Garrison said he and Anderson met with Crowel prior to Thursday night's meeting and resolved the easement issue.

Tierney said that by issuing the letter suggesting legal action, the desired result was accomplished.

Board members directed GRW to inform them before suggesting legal action when problems arise with customers.

Other business

A three-member wage board was approved. Members are John Shellcrosslee, Loren Hylton and TLRSD board member Larry Dunn.

Phase IIIB construction bid opening will be May 10 at 2 p.m. A pre-bid meeting will be April 24.

The next board meeting will be April 26 at 7 p.m.