Knox Board of Public Works Discusses Progress at Phoenix House

Knox Board of Public Works
Knox Board of Public Works

The Knox Board of Public Works approved a pay application for Chester Construction at their meeting this week in the amount of $49,563.74. The board members also approved a claim for Mark Milo Enterprises for $29,307.50.

Van Janovic from Territorial Engineering explained to the board that these claims are for the Phoenix House construction project. He said Chester’s work is about 91 percent complete and the parking lot work being done by Mark Milo is about 63 percent complete. He said he walked through the project area and was impressed with the work that has been done and it’s been on schedule.

Knox Mayor Rick Chambers also commended the quality of work being done at the Phoenix House but questioned why the new geothermal system is draining in the storm sewer and not the sanitary sewer. Janovic explained that it’s clean water that is being discharged and doesn’t need to be processed through the wastewater treatment facility. He noted that there wouldn’t be much use at the facility. The board may look into that process in the future.

A change order was also presented for the Phoenix House project. A $700 decrease was presented as they have worked the sanitary and water lines into a trench and a manhole was not needed. The board did approve that change order.

The Phoenix House is a transitional home for victims of domestic abuse. The structure suffered flooding a few years ago. Grant money is being used to expand the parking lot and the garage area which will include a storage area, a group meeting room, a library and computer area.