LE MARS — The Le Mars City Council has awarded a contract for the Wastewater Improvements - 2022 Ultraviolet Disinfection work to be done at the wastewater treatment plant on the north edge of Le Mars.
Gregory L. Sindt, senior environmental engineer with Bolton & Menk Inc., said the two bids received came in above the estimate of $4.3 million.
Bolton & Menk recommended the project be awarded to Christiansen Construction Company of Pender, Nebraska, for the total project base bid of $5,830,000.
The construction period for the project requires final completion within 504 calendar days after the Notice to Proceed.
“Yes, the bids came in above our estimate, and that has been happening a lot,” Sindt said.
He explained the base item that accounts for 80 percent of the difference in cost is the cost and installation for the large diameter pipe. The project calls for a 30-inch diameter pipe for the line from the treatment plant to the review as a new outflow line as part of the long-term wastewater improvements.
“Our opinion is that it is a fair bid. This contractor is looking for work, is a good contractor that has done work previously in Le Mars on the wastewater treatment facility,” Sindt continued. “We would also have the same project manager that was here about 15 years ago when work was done on the plant, so I think it would be a good contractor.
“The price is high, but we can’t trim anything out, it’s a pretty functional, barebones design,” he said. “As far as getting better prices on rebid, I don’t hold much hope for that prospect.”
Council member Clark Goodchild said while the cost was higher, he was OK with that. He did ask, “Are we building to modern specs. I want it done right, I want it done so it can be added onto, I want it to be functional, I want it to be no surprises.”
Sindt indicated as Bolton & Menk worked with city staff on alternatives, what is included in this project is a very good design concept with a lot of redundancy and will address the needs longterm of the facility.
Council member Mike Donlin asked about meeting DNR deadlines for compliance as the construction gets underway.
City Administrator Jason Vacura said November of 2021 was the original deadline to comply.
“We’re going through this testing period in violation, and with this schedule, also in violation,” he said.
However, the DNR authorities have been kept informed of the city’s process and upcoming construction to address the issue and know the city is moving forward to correct the issue.
The council members unanimously approved awarding the contract to Christianson Construction Company and the bid of $5,830,000.
The council then moved on to approve an amendment to the “Agreement for Professional Services” with Bolton & Menk for the Wastewater Improvements - 2022 Ultraviolet Disinfection Project with a not to exceed fee of $465,000.
This amendment agrees to Bolton & Menk providing construction phase services on the project.
A third item related to the project was setting a public hearing for noon, Sept. 6, on financing the Wastewater Improvements - 2022 Ultraviolet Disinfection Project using Sewer Revenue Bonds not to exceed the amount of $7.4 million.
City staff, D.A. Davidson, and Dorsey & Whitney have been discussing financing of the Wastewater Improvements- 2022 Ultraviolet Disinfection Project and have developed a plan for the Sewer Revenue Loan Agreement.
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