Work to start soon to deal with 'cavern' under Weiland Field bleachers

McCOOK, Neb. — Emergency work underneath Weiland Field bleachers can start as soon as this week, the McCook City Council was told Monday night at the regular meeting.

The bottom of a storm sewer pipe, original to when the football field was constructed, has rusted out, creating a huge cavern and compromising the stability of the south side bleachers on East L, Public Works Director Kyle Potthoff said. The washout was discovered last month and there’s “a substantial void underneath the bleachers,” Potthoff said, so “we need to move on it sooner rather than later.” The top of the sewer pipe is sound, Potthoff said, with the bottom part deteriorated.

BSB Construction of Curtis, Neb., said they could start on repair as soon as this week, said Greg Wolford of W Designs, who’s been contracted for plans and specifications to repair the problem. Repairs include abandoning two large sewer pipes, one that runs from East First across the field to East M and another that runs from East M to underneath the bleachers and filling those pipes with “flowable fill,” a slurry of concrete. A new pipe will be laid from East M to East L underneath the field, connected to a new pipe along West L.

Because of the emergency nature of the repair, city staff requested the council confirm the emergency purchase of services for the repair, without the usual advertising and bidding process. Because of the need of immediate action, city staff said there isn’t enough time for the usual six to eight weeks that it takes for bids and advertising. “We didn’t want to take any chances,” said City Manager Nate Schneider, explaining the need of the emergency provision.

Costs are estimated to be in excess of $30,000, up to $180,000. The final costs will be brought back to the council for approval, possibly by the next council meeting, Wolford said. Councilman Gene Weedin asked where the funds will come from to pay for the project and City Manager Nate Schneider said there are funds available, with Potthoff adding that there are additional dollars set aside in the parks budget.

To prevent more erosion from occurring over the weekend from rain, two inlets were covered up that caused water to overflow on the street for a short time, Potthoff said.