Project:
September 28, 2021
Dear Saugatuck Resident,
The City of Saugatuck and the City of Douglas are working with Fleis & VandenBrink Engineering of Grand Rapids to replace the water main and water service lines, and then resurface and widen Campbell Road between Park Street and McVea Drive. This letter is being provided to introduce you to the proposed scope of work and provide information about the construction process. Based on feedback we received from residents, we have requested a widened road shoulder to provide a safer walking / cycling route along the newly resurfaced section of Campbell Road. We don’t anticipate at this time that there will be major tree removal as part of this project, primarily smaller bushes and some tree trimming on the north side near Park Street by Consumers Energy during pole relocation work. Final plans are being completed and the bidding process will begin in the next few weeks.
How is this project being paid for? Unfortunately, the City received notice that we were not successful in our third attempt to secure a MDOT Category B Grant to help defray the cost of the project. MDOT received 139 applications totaling $21.9 million in grant fund requests but only had $3 million to award for projects. Both Cities have decided to move forward with the project without the grant funding. The cost of the project will be divided proportionally between the two Cities. Because this is a water main replacement project identified in the water asset management plan, none of the project costs are anticipated to be passed onto the homeowners as a special assessment.
When will the work begin? We don’t have an established timeline to begin construction; however, to avoid major construction during peak tourism season, the project will be split into two phases—water main and service line replacement in fall 2021 and resurfacing in spring 2022. The water main and service line replacement phase will involve milling the road, replacing and upsizing the water main using a combination of open trenching and boring, and replacing the lead and galvanized service lines. Where lead services are encountered, service line replacement will extend up to and in some cases into the home, which will require the cooperation of homeowners but will not be a cost to the homeowner. Upon completion of the water main installation, compacted gravel will be installed to maintain traffic through the winter months. Resurfacing Campbell Road from Park Street to McVea Drive is planned for spring 2022 as soon as the asphalt plants open for the season.
Why are water service lines being replaced? Per the State’s drinking water quality standards, all lead and certain galvanized service lines must be completely replaced from the water main all the way up to eighteen inches inside the home. The contractor will need access to your home to complete this process. If you choose not to participate, you may leave the lead and galvanized service lines in service, but the City will not replace those lines at a later date and you will have to confirm in writing your desire to not participate in the service line replacement.
What if I’m not home? We anticipate some residents will be leaving for the winter months to warmer destinations. We are requesting your assistance providing a local contact for the lead and galvanized service line replacement process. Please fill out the form included in this letter so that we have your contact information. If you are leaving for the winter, a local contact will need to be provided for an individual who is permitted by the owner to provide access to the property.
Will the service line replacement damage my yard? We are planning to directionally bore the portion of the services lines that are on private property, however, some open trenching will still be required for connections. This process may disturb small areas of lawns, landscape, sidewalks, and driveways. Please let us know if you have a lawn irrigation system on your property. The contractor will regrade, reseed, and restore any disturbed areas. We appreciate your patience during this process and will work with homeowners to properly restore the site.
I have an irrigation system installed in the right of way. What do I do? There may be some disturbance of lawn areas adjacent to the road edge in preparation for paving. If underground irrigation is near the road edge, residents should clearly mark the locations so that every effort may be taken to avoid damage. The City will not replace or repair damaged unmarked private irrigation systems, landscape, plantings, fences, or other miscellaneous encroachments located within the City’s right-of-way or public utility easements.
Will the City keep me informed about the project? We propose to communicate construction timelines via group email with blind copy. Simply email the City at the address indicated below if you wish to be included. Full plans will be available at Saugatuck City Hall if you’d like to review the scope of work.
Will access to my driveway be interrupted? Driveway access for residents in the construction zone will be maintained throughout construction, though there may be periods of time when a driveway is temporarily inaccessible with construction operations.
Will home deliveries be interrupted? While construction is an inconvenience, the City will work to minimize traffic conflicts and provide access. Active construction operations will limit vehicle travel to local residents only. All others should follow the marked detour routes. Parcel delivery services will be allowed to complete their normal deliveries when feasible.
How will trash and recycle pickup be managed? Trash and recycling pickup times are anticipated to continue as usual during construction.
When construction operations cease for the winter, who do I call about a pothole? Please contact the Department of Public Works at 269-857-2558 for pothole maintenance during the winter months while temporary gravel is in place until the road resurfacing is completed in the spring.
If you have questions, please contact City Hall at 269-857-2603 or email Kate White at KWhite@saugatuckcity.com.
Thank you for your patience.
Kate White
Project Coordinator/Deputy Clerk
Dear Saugatuck Resident,
The City of Saugatuck and the City of Douglas are working with Fleis & VandenBrink Engineering of Grand Rapids to replace the water main and water service lines, and then resurface and widen Campbell Road between Park Street and McVea Drive. This letter is being provided to introduce you to the proposed scope of work and provide information about the construction process. Based on feedback we received from residents, we have requested a widened road shoulder to provide a safer walking / cycling route along the newly resurfaced section of Campbell Road. We don’t anticipate at this time that there will be major tree removal as part of this project, primarily smaller bushes and some tree trimming on the north side near Park Street by Consumers Energy during pole relocation work. Final plans are being completed and the bidding process will begin in the next few weeks.
How is this project being paid for? Unfortunately, the City received notice that we were not successful in our third attempt to secure a MDOT Category B Grant to help defray the cost of the project. MDOT received 139 applications totaling $21.9 million in grant fund requests but only had $3 million to award for projects. Both Cities have decided to move forward with the project without the grant funding. The cost of the project will be divided proportionally between the two Cities. Because this is a water main replacement project identified in the water asset management plan, none of the project costs are anticipated to be passed onto the homeowners as a special assessment.
When will the work begin? We don’t have an established timeline to begin construction; however, to avoid major construction during peak tourism season, the project will be split into two phases—water main and service line replacement in fall 2021 and resurfacing in spring 2022. The water main and service line replacement phase will involve milling the road, replacing and upsizing the water main using a combination of open trenching and boring, and replacing the lead and galvanized service lines. Where lead services are encountered, service line replacement will extend up to and in some cases into the home, which will require the cooperation of homeowners but will not be a cost to the homeowner. Upon completion of the water main installation, compacted gravel will be installed to maintain traffic through the winter months. Resurfacing Campbell Road from Park Street to McVea Drive is planned for spring 2022 as soon as the asphalt plants open for the season.
Why are water service lines being replaced? Per the State’s drinking water quality standards, all lead and certain galvanized service lines must be completely replaced from the water main all the way up to eighteen inches inside the home. The contractor will need access to your home to complete this process. If you choose not to participate, you may leave the lead and galvanized service lines in service, but the City will not replace those lines at a later date and you will have to confirm in writing your desire to not participate in the service line replacement.
What if I’m not home? We anticipate some residents will be leaving for the winter months to warmer destinations. We are requesting your assistance providing a local contact for the lead and galvanized service line replacement process. Please fill out the form included in this letter so that we have your contact information. If you are leaving for the winter, a local contact will need to be provided for an individual who is permitted by the owner to provide access to the property.
Will the service line replacement damage my yard? We are planning to directionally bore the portion of the services lines that are on private property, however, some open trenching will still be required for connections. This process may disturb small areas of lawns, landscape, sidewalks, and driveways. Please let us know if you have a lawn irrigation system on your property. The contractor will regrade, reseed, and restore any disturbed areas. We appreciate your patience during this process and will work with homeowners to properly restore the site.
I have an irrigation system installed in the right of way. What do I do? There may be some disturbance of lawn areas adjacent to the road edge in preparation for paving. If underground irrigation is near the road edge, residents should clearly mark the locations so that every effort may be taken to avoid damage. The City will not replace or repair damaged unmarked private irrigation systems, landscape, plantings, fences, or other miscellaneous encroachments located within the City’s right-of-way or public utility easements.
Will the City keep me informed about the project? We propose to communicate construction timelines via group email with blind copy. Simply email the City at the address indicated below if you wish to be included. Full plans will be available at Saugatuck City Hall if you’d like to review the scope of work.
Will access to my driveway be interrupted? Driveway access for residents in the construction zone will be maintained throughout construction, though there may be periods of time when a driveway is temporarily inaccessible with construction operations.
Will home deliveries be interrupted? While construction is an inconvenience, the City will work to minimize traffic conflicts and provide access. Active construction operations will limit vehicle travel to local residents only. All others should follow the marked detour routes. Parcel delivery services will be allowed to complete their normal deliveries when feasible.
How will trash and recycle pickup be managed? Trash and recycling pickup times are anticipated to continue as usual during construction.
When construction operations cease for the winter, who do I call about a pothole? Please contact the Department of Public Works at 269-857-2558 for pothole maintenance during the winter months while temporary gravel is in place until the road resurfacing is completed in the spring.
If you have questions, please contact City Hall at 269-857-2603 or email Kate White at KWhite@saugatuckcity.com.
Thank you for your patience.
Kate White
Project Coordinator/Deputy Clerk