Fairfield council correct to stay the course on Walton Lake bridge

To the Editor:

I commend Ed Hipp for admitting at Monday’s Fairfield City Council meeting that he didn't know the true cost of his proposed Walton Lake replacement bridge. After a meeting with his group's vendor and French-Reneker engineer Marcus Clark, Clark confirmed his estimate that Hipp’s type of bridge would cost $264,000 compared to $196,000 for the bridge contracted by the city. Clark noted that the failing bridge abutments are causing bank erosion; without lowering the lake and replacing them, a longer, more expensive bridge will be needed.

Ed Noyes' appeal to invalidate the DNR’s permit has cost the city legal fees and exposed it to penalties for contract delays. On September 16, the judge dismissed Noyes’ case within 24 hours of the hearing, allowing the project to proceed. Despite his loss, I understand that Noyes has now filed suit against the city in district court. These delays have left Drish and its 24 employees in limbo and risk the city’s reputation as a reliable client that deserves low fees.

After 12 open meetings spanning one year, and a public hearing last March with no adverse comments, the city council chose the safe, low-cost, low-maintenance option. Many complaints from the protesting group were dismissed by the judge.

While zeal can sometimes go off the rails, I commend Ed Hipp’s integrity. It’s time for the city council to move forward and facilitate construction.

Sincerely,

Randy Dillon

Fairfield