La Marque City Council on Monday voted unanimously to table action regarding a change order for additional work on replacing the Magnolia Water Plant.

The city has spent approximately $700,000 on the project, which has been funded through grants, to renovate the plant. The change order, which would add $98,841 to the cost of the contract, would insert a liner into the existing casing and the placement of gravel between the liner and the casing. The additional work was requested after review of a video of the casing shows that it needs repair.

According to city staff reports, if the well casing is not repaired, the existing casing could collapse, which would greatly limit the production of the well.  The well provides back-up water supplies to the city in the event of an emergency.

The project is being performed by LJA Engineering. A total of $41,406 in remaining grant funds would be used, with the remaining $57,000 paid for through the city's utility fund.

Council Member James Osteen asked that the well's site be tested for possible contamination before further work is performed.

“I don't mind fixing the well at all,” Osteen said. “I just don't want to throw money away.”

After discussion with city staff and representatives from LJA Engineering, the item was tabled to the June 1 meeting to review environmental work performed by a consultant, and to possibly test the site for contaminants prior to moving forward with installing the liner.

The city council voted unanimously to approve the minutes of the April 23 meeting.

No other action items were on the agenda. All members were present. Agenda

During the meeting, Mayor Bobby Hocking presented proclamations concerning National Police Week/Peace Officers Memorial Day and Management Week in America.

Hocking also presented a proclamation in observance of The War of 1812 Remembrance Day. The proclamation was presented to members of the Texas State Society of the United States Daughters of 1812.  Proclamation