Mexico Public Works Director Kensey Russell says the dam at Lakeview Park has been in place for 100 years – “as far as we know.”

No original plans or blueprints were left behind in the city’s trove of documents, so engineers can’t be certain what’s underneath. The last modification of the structure was made in 2003.

A 2016 inspection conducted by Klingner & Associates, an engineering firm in Quincy, Ill., noted cracks in the spillway and evidence of erosion downstream of the spillway. The firm’s report suggested the city should follow up on these issues.

At last week’s regular meeting, the City Council voted to look further into the items mentioned in the 2016 report.

The city signed a contract with Engineering Surveys and Services out of Columbia to analyze the spillway’s condition and prepare any necessary rehabilitation plans.

As part of the agreement, the company will also perform a hydraulic analysis, put together plans to replace a low water crossing downstream of the spillway which is in desperate need of repair and look at ways to mitigate erosion.

Engineering Surveys and Services will not do any construction or repair work during the project, which has the cost capped at $29,700.

“They will do a more thorough geotechnical analysis,” Russell said, adding that the report prepared by Klingner & Associates was based upon a visual inspection.

“We are hoping they will find out as much as possible,” he added.

Money for the project will come from a stormwater line item in the existing city budget. The council voted unanimously to go forward with the study.