The Southeast Arkansas Intermodal Authority conducted a called meeting Friday, April 5 at the offices of the Bradley County Economic Development Commission. The purpose of the meeting was to meet with representatives of Arkansas Midland Railroad to discuss the status of constructing side rails for the intermodal's use along side the main rail line and the construction of turnouts required to make rail service within the Intermodal Park function. Midland had previously informed the Authority they were no longer interested in building the side rails but would construct the turnouts.
Chuck Lagon of Midland, along with other members of the company, discussed the reasons they had withdrawn the proposal to build the side rails and the difficulties experienced with the Authority's consulting engineer. Midland went into details on the needs required to construct the rail facilities and the problems they had been through trying to respond to the engineer's specifications. Midland believes the specifications as proposed will make the project more expensive and includes unnecessary requirements.
In order to get the project moving, Midland proposed to go ahead and build the turnouts at a cost of $140,081.00 with no further involvement by the engineering firm. Midland is also willing to reconsider conducting the construction of the rail siding and to provide an updated price to the Authority. All work would be approved by the Highway Department prior to the start of construction.
Board member Sandra Brown stated, "Garver is an employee and should do what the board says." Several board members voiced concern over past action by the engineer and indicated they were troubled by Midland's report relating to actions by the engineer.
The board voted to authorize Midland to build the turnouts based on the railroads own specifications subject to highway department's approval. The board will consider the side rails contract in the future.
Monticello Mayor Allen Maxwell expressed concerns over the current unavailability of electricity on the Intermodal site. There was considerable discussion about what needs to be done and when.
Board member Freddie Mobley voiced strong concerned about issues with the engineering firm. Mr. Mobley stated, "There needs to be a change with the project engineer."
Bradley County Judge Keith Neely indicated the engineering work has been at times "unprofessional and sloppy".
The cost of engineering fees and exactly what is owed and will be owed in the future was discussed by several board members. No action was taken, but Chairman John Lipton asked the board to consider Mr. Mobley's concerns and how they wished to address the engineer and the side rail contract.
Chuck Lagon of Midland, along with other members of the company, discussed the reasons they had withdrawn the proposal to build the side rails and the difficulties experienced with the Authority's consulting engineer. Midland went into details on the needs required to construct the rail facilities and the problems they had been through trying to respond to the engineer's specifications. Midland believes the specifications as proposed will make the project more expensive and includes unnecessary requirements.
In order to get the project moving, Midland proposed to go ahead and build the turnouts at a cost of $140,081.00 with no further involvement by the engineering firm. Midland is also willing to reconsider conducting the construction of the rail siding and to provide an updated price to the Authority. All work would be approved by the Highway Department prior to the start of construction.
Board member Sandra Brown stated, "Garver is an employee and should do what the board says." Several board members voiced concern over past action by the engineer and indicated they were troubled by Midland's report relating to actions by the engineer.
The board voted to authorize Midland to build the turnouts based on the railroads own specifications subject to highway department's approval. The board will consider the side rails contract in the future.
Monticello Mayor Allen Maxwell expressed concerns over the current unavailability of electricity on the Intermodal site. There was considerable discussion about what needs to be done and when.
Board member Freddie Mobley voiced strong concerned about issues with the engineering firm. Mr. Mobley stated, "There needs to be a change with the project engineer."
Bradley County Judge Keith Neely indicated the engineering work has been at times "unprofessional and sloppy".
The cost of engineering fees and exactly what is owed and will be owed in the future was discussed by several board members. No action was taken, but Chairman John Lipton asked the board to consider Mr. Mobley's concerns and how they wished to address the engineer and the side rail contract.
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