Plymouth Utility Superintendent updates Board of Works on detention pond issue and water main project

Donnie Davidson, the Plymouth Utility Superintendent, updated members of the Plymouth Board of Public Works and Safety on two items: the city water main upgrade project and the detention basin at the corner of LaPorte and Plum Streets.

The project has been completed for about a year, and Davidson said there is an area that is continuously wet, and they can’t maintain it. He contacted Jodi Overmyer with the Marshall County Soil & Water Conservation District.  She has proposed a native planting area with a rain garden for $14,200.  There is also a one-time maintenance fee of $4,000 for the first year.  The Soil & Water District is willing to share in the cost, so the city’s share will be $9,100. 

The Plymouth Board of Works gave him the approval to move forward with the project. 

The second item was an update on the water main project that needs to go under the railroad tracks on Lake Avenue. On Aug. 28, the city received the right-of-way entry agreement with a 60-day window from Genesee and Wyoming Railroad.

Davidson said they have had to delay the subcontractor so many times that they won’t be able to complete the work until the end of the year. He has already started the process for an extension but warned the board that the railroad may charge additional fees.

The water main project also includes installing lines on East Jefferson Street. Davidson said he is disappointed with their speed and the inconvenience to the public. He commented that his crew would have already had the work completed.