Oak Ridge North Oak Ridge North city staff and engineers met in January with contractors to discuss the installation of groundwater storage tanks for the city's water supply.

City Engineer Ed Shackelford said 14 contractors and three subcontractors attended the meeting, but many had not reviewed information on the project and requested additional time before making bids. Bids were initially to be voted on by the City Council Jan. 28, but Shackelford said the delay could provide the engineers time to offer lower bids.

The base bid includes the installation of 32-foot tall tanks, while alternate bids will be received for 24-foot tanks and several other possible additions to the project, City Manager Vicky Rudy said. About $3.1 million has been budgeted in 2013 for the project, which will replace the current 40-year-old storage tanks, Rudy said.

"It's essential to have water, and water's essential for life," she said.

Shackelford said the contracts could be completed in two weeks following the council's approval of a contractor. He said submittals would take 60-90 days and the installation of the tanks could begin in May.

The city has also seen movement on its comprehensive plan, which will address the city's public spaces, a freeway commercial strategy and economic development. Economic Development Coordinator Susan Cates said the Comprehensive Planning Advising Committee would examine aging residential areas in February and how to manage the influx of a younger population.

Cates said the city has also been in discussions with potential retailers.

Task force meetings with residents will be held Feb. 26 to discuss various areas of the comprehensive plan, Rudy said.

A location for the meeting had yet to be determined prior to press time, but will be made available on the city's website.

She said she expects to make progress in February and for the task forces to have an early draft by late February or early March. The council could have a plan in place in April or May, Rudy said.