The Chandler Municipal Authority (CMA) authorized SRB Engineering to solicit bids for the Water Treatment Plant Expansion Project at their regular meeting on May 13.
A representative from SRB Engineering presented plans and engineering estimates to the CMA, saying everything comes to about $11.6 million. They anticipated the project could cost between $11 and $12 million. They are currently waiting on electrical, however, the rep said that it should be installed before the next meeting in June.
As soon as everything is set, they will advertise for 30 days. Construction is expected to start around July, once the bid process is complete.
The CMA also approved a pay app for Firebrand Construction of $17,028.75 for the Reed Park Project, which was paid from the CMA Cap Fund.
At the Chandler City Council meeting, which followed immediately after, the Council held an executive session to discuss ongoing litigation with Chandler CH LLC and T.J. Remy regarding property in the Knapp’s Addition, which was to be developed into a hotel.
According to court documents, on May 12, a summons was delivered to Chandler CH LLC and Remy, informing him that he had 20 days to provide a written answer to the petition and summons. If he fails to do so, judgment will be rendered against him.
The City of Chandler filed on Jan. 24, asking the court to declare that the defendants are in material default of their obligation and render the original agreement null and void. They also requested that Chandler CH LLC be required to execute a warranty deed and that the conveyance be free and clear of any liens, mortgages, taxes and/or encumbrances.
In the original agreement made in 2022, Remy agreed to begin construction on the hotel within 365 days of it being closed. That set the deadline at Aug. 21, 2024, according to court documents. If he did not, the deed for the property would return to the City, and the agreement would be null and void.
Court documents maintained that as of Aug. 21, 2024, the developer had not sought to have the property rezoned from residential to commercial, nor had he submitted building plans, applied for a building permit, or presented a plat for approval.
Earlier in the meeting, the Council approved the purchase of a fairway mower for the golf course in the amount of $67,321.33 and amended a section of Ordinance 2025-01, regarding the discontinuance of service for unpaid utility bills. This will require prior notice before service is cut. The first contact will be with the utility clerk, then if there is a dispute, residents can take it to the city clerk and then the city manager.
The Council also approved adding the city manager as a signatory on city bank accounts. Checks require two signatures, and before, there were only three people approved - the city clerk, the deputy city clerk and the mayor.
They also held a public hearing on property located at E. 11th St., determining that it is dilapidated. The Council gave the owners 31 business days to demolish the dilapidated structures, or the City would do so. A fire destroyed the residence on the property on Feb. 17 and was a total loss. Code Enforcement Officer Scott Wintz mailed a notice of violation on April 11, which was returned on April 15. He then posted the property on April 26.