McGregor sanitary sewer projects discussed
By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor
The McGregor Council agreed to take additional time to consider awarding a bid for the city’s sanitary sewer rehabilitation project at a special meeting March 4, after learning bids came in higher than the estimated cost.
The lowest bidder for the project was A-1 Excavating, of Bloomer, Wis., at $994,882.08. At that price, the project cost would be pushed from the originally-anticipated $1,250,000 to closer to $1.3 million or $1.4 million.
“It’s what we’ve seen with underground sewer and water work,” said engineer Jim Maloney, of Davy Engineering of La Crosse, regarding the cost. “Bid prices have been on the extremely high side.”
The cost could come in lower if the city decides not to include 7th Street in the work, explained Maloney. That would save an estimated $88,000, he said, but he would have to verify whether or not McGregor could still receive a $300,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) if that aspect was removed.
“7th Street is not contiguous to the project,” added Mark Davy, also of Davy Engineering. “It was a place that made sense to make a break. Is it worth $88,000 to fix?”
“If it’s going to halt a major project, then I don’t think it’s worth it,” said mayor Harold Brooks.
Although 7th Street is in rough shape, especially with some tree root issues, it’s not as bad as C Street, said McGregor Street Supervisor Brian Hamann.
The council agreed to hold off on deciding whether or not to award the contract until its Wednesday, March 11 regular meeting, choosing to further weigh if and how the city can pay for additional costs.
While no decision was made on the sanitary sewer rehabilitation project, the council did award a contract to DF Excavating, LLC, of Dubuque, for the Cross Street sanitary sewer project, with a bid of $35,349.80.
