Brusly Council Approves Another Sewer Project Extension Despite Contractor Delays

December 31st deadline marks second extension for troubled lagoon project

BRUSLY — The town council voted 4-1 Monday night to approve change order number four for the sewer lagoon project, extending the completion deadline to December 31, 2025, despite ongoing concerns about contractor accountability and project delays.

The vote came after engineering consultant Toby Fruge outlined the contractor's timeline, which includes 16 weeks of remaining work that would finish approximately one week before the new December deadline.

Second Extension Raises Questions

This marks the second time extension for the project, with the original May 22nd completion date first pushed to September 22nd, and now extended through the end of the year.

"We granted one from a May 22nd supposed completion to September 22nd, and now we're going to have a request before us through December," said Councilman Rusty Daigle, who cast the lone dissenting vote. "I think I've shared it numerous times that I'm of the opinion that we should assess liquidated damages."

Daigle emphasized his belief that the town should stick to contract terms and hold contractors accountable for missed deadlines.

Contractor Progress Report

Engineer Fruge provided a detailed breakdown of the contractor's estimated remaining work:

• 3 weeks: Construct floor and base
• 3 weeks: Tie in rebar
• 2 weeks: Pour walls and curing
• 4 weeks: Build media, install pipes and blowers
• 2 weeks: Startup and punch list

According to Fruge, the contractor has delivered rebar to the site and plans to have "boots on the ground" starting next week, marking renewed activity after an extended delay period.

Spinks Construction has faced criticism throughout the project for missing multiple deadlines, with the original May completion date first extended to September, and now pushed to December.

Mayor Expresses Frustration

While ultimately supporting the extension, Mayor Scot Rhodes made clear his frustration with granting additional time to a contractor who has repeatedly missed deadlines.

"That's been my opinion on it, so I just wanted to get that out there on the record," Rhodes said about his preference for assessing liquidated damages. "But that's the whole purpose of executing a contract is to stick to said contract."

Council Split on Accountability

The 4-1 vote reflected the council's reluctance to pursue more aggressive enforcement measures, with Council Members Blake Tassin, Sheri Young, Chris Kershaw, and Mike Chustz supporting the extension.

The approval came despite questions about potential limits on change orders and the cumulative impact of repeated delays on the multi-million dollar infrastructure project.

August Public Works Report

Mayor Rhodes also delivered the monthly public works report, highlighting several key updates:

Weather and Infrastructure:

• Six rain events totaled 3.4 inches for August
• Zero SCADA alarms reported
• One out-of-compliance test result for elevated ammonia at the sewer treatment facility

Completed Projects:

• Repaired sinkholes on Gwin St and Live Oak Dr
• Completed curb edging on East and West Main and South Labauve Ave
• Tree trimming on St. James property and throughout town
• Continued servitude maintenance on backside of Elaine Street

Ongoing Concerns:

• Parish Canal remains extremely low, below the three-foot level
• More tree trimming scheduled for September

New Equipment:

• Received new curb edging tool
• Started training on new I-Work program for maintenance tickets

Other Business

The council also approved a variance request for 549 Courtney Street, allowing reduced setbacks for a metal workshop building. The property owner received approval to reduce the side setback from 10 feet to 8.4 feet and the rear setback from 10 feet to 4.6 feet.

The variance came with neighbor consent and planning commission approval, with Seneca noting he has considered watershed drainage in his building plans.

Looking Ahead

The next major milestone for the sewer project will be the contractor's ability to meet the December 31st deadline. With winter weather potentially affecting construction schedules, the tight timeline leaves little margin for additional delays.

Police Chief Jonathan Lefeaux reported strong activity levels for August, with officers making several notable arrests including apprehension of a shooting suspect from Plaquemine through license plate reader technology, and ongoing investigation of protection order violations.

The council's next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 12, 2025, at 6:00 PM at Brusly Town Hall.

The full September 8, 2025 Brusly Town Council meeting recording is available through the town clerk's office. For more West Baton Rouge Parish government coverage, visit WBRIndependent.com

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