Title
Consider a memorandum/resolution ratifying the City Manager’s approval of the emergency procurement for the I-14 emergency water repair and contract with TTG Utilities, Inc. in the amount of $515,860.00.
Summary
DATE: October 8, 2026
TO: Kent Cagle, Interim City Manager
FROM: Kristina Ramirez, Executive Director of Public Works
SUBJECT: Ratify the I-14 Emergency Water Repair Contract with TTG Utilities Inc.
BACKGROUND AND FINDINGS:
In December of 2025, TXDOT’s contractor hit and damaged the City’s waterline under I-14. The City utilized TTG Utilities, Inc. at that time to do the emergency line locate and to isolate the line in order to stop the discharge of drinking water to the environment. In March 2026, the City received a letter from TXDOT’s Contractor (EZ Bell) indicating the three utility locates submitted by them were marked "clear" by the City. EZ Bell indicated in that letter that they are not responsible for the repairs. Since that time staff has been working with the City’s Claims Specialist, the City’s insurance, EZ Bell and TXDOT to reach a solution to repair the break. The referenced line locates included specific worksite instructions section to conduct a linear locate starting and ending at provided GPS points. The location of this main break was outside the limits of that linear locate request. Therefore, the City continues to work on claims with EZ Bell and TXDOT accordingly. However, the City has been unsuccessful to date in getting EZ Bell to repair the critical water line.
The impacts from the loss of this supply line were manageable during that time due to the cooler and wetter than normal spring. With the recent string of weather at or over 100 degrees, the water system in this area is now strained with respect to water supply and pressure. Extended extreme heat may result in the City’s inability to provide water service and adequate pressure to a portion of the city if this main is not repaired and placed back into service.
This project is currently unfunded and would require a reprioritization of existing capital improvement projects or other funds. If the emergency procurement is not approved, completing the repair through the normal competitive procurement process is estimated to require a minimum of 36 additional weeks. This includes time to locate and contract with an engineering firm, conduct an on the ground survey, prepare bid level contract documents and plans, complete the internal review, advertise the bid, receive the bid, submit the bid results to City Council for approval, notification of award of the bid, and execution of the bonds and contracts. The alternative is to proceed with this project as an emergency procurement under Texas Local Government Code §252.022(a) and utilize city staff’s in-house engineered drawings to contract with a contractor and get the repair completed within 90 days.
In July 2026, the Executive Director of Public Works was made aware of this project and began to look at its impact on our operating system and asked about alternatives available to address this critical infrastructure. Due to pressure and supply requirements by the TCEQ, and the critical nature of this water supply line, both the City Engineer and the Executive Director of Public Works agreed that this project warranted requesting an emergency repair. As a result, city engineering staff designed the repair plans and coordinated with TXDOT for permit review and approval. Then on August 1, 2026, Public Works staff contacted TTG Utilities, Inc (TTG) to review the plan set and provide a proposal for the construction of the proposed repairs. On August 12, 2026, TTG provided the city with an original proposal for $526,110.00 for this emergency repair. After consulting TXDOT and the city’s engineering staff, it was determined that a slight change was needed. On August 14, 2026, Public Works staff contacted TTG Utilities, Inc (TTG) to review the revised plan set and provide a revised proposal for the construction of the proposed repairs. On August 20, 2026, TTG provided the city with the attached final proposal for $515,860.00.
On August 26, 2026, the Interim City Manager authorized proceeding with this emergency procurement and executed the contract with TTG Utilities, Inc. without completing the normal competitive procurement process due to the circumstances described above. The project will require TXDOT level traffic control, a new encasement pipe, boring under I-14, and waterline repair costs at a minimum. As of the date of this memo, materials had been ordered and construction was slated to begin the week of October 5th assuming no weather delays.
THE ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
1: Add this project to the Capital Improvement Plan and Water Master Plan
2: Ratify the ratification of the single source contract with TTG Utilities, Inc. in the amount of $515,860.00
Which alternative is recommended? Why?
To ratify the purchase for repairs performed by TTG Utilities Inc. is needed to meet departmental and state public safety requirements.
CONFORMITY TO CITY POLICY:
This purchase satisfies City policies and State law pursuant to Texas Local Government Code 252.022(a), which provides an exception to competitive bidding requirements for expenditures necessary to respond to an unforeseen condition that poses an imminent threat to public health or safety.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
What is the amount of the expenditure in the current fiscal year? For future years?
This expenditure is $515,860.00.
Is this a one-time or recurring expenditure?
One-time
Is this expenditure budgeted?
Yes, funds are available in the Water and Sewer CIP Fund, account 350-53415-900-450-926055. The expense may be offset by any claims settlement with EZ Bell and/or TXDOT.
If not, where will the money come from?
N/A
Is there a sufficient amount in the budgeted line-item for this expenditure?
Yes
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council ratify the City Manager’s approval of the emergency procurement for the I-14 emergency water repair and contract with TTG Utilities, Inc. in the amount of $515,860.00, and authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute any and all change orders within the amounts set by State and Local Law.
DEPARTMENTAL CLEARANCES:
Purchasing
Finance
Public Works
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
Emergency Procurement Memo
Certificate of Interested Parties
Presentation