Council awards $20M contract for reverse osmosis water treatment plant in Canton South Dakota

The Le Mars City Council convened on December 3, 2024, to discuss several key issues impacting the community, including the approval of significant infrastructure projects and community events that have garnered positive feedback.

During the meeting, council members expressed appreciation for recent community events, highlighting the successful turnout and engagement from visitors across various states, including New York and South Dakota. This enthusiasm reflects the growing vibrancy of downtown Le Mars, although concerns were raised about parking availability, indicating a need for future planning as local events continue to attract larger crowds.

The council moved on to consent items, approving the minutes from the previous meeting and a list of bills. Notably, they also addressed a request from the Power Players Snowmobile Club, although specific details regarding this request were not discussed in depth.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on the reverse osmosis water treatment plant project. The council reviewed bids received for the project, which included five competitive offers. McClure Engineering recommended awarding the contract to Hughendorn Construction from Canton, South Dakota, with a bid of $20,390,000. This decision is crucial as the project will be funded through bonds and user rates, reflecting a strategic approach to local infrastructure investment.

The council also discussed the well 15 project, which received five bids, with the lowest bid coming in at $2,198,000 from L&L Builders in Sioux City. The bids for the raw water main project were similarly competitive, with Vanderpool Excavating offering the lowest bid of $287,000. The total projected cost for these infrastructure projects is approximately $27 million, significantly lower than the initial budget estimate of $35 million. This reduction is attributed to a favorable bidding environment and a decrease in inflation rates affecting construction costs.

Council members expressed optimism about the future of local contracting, noting that many contractors are eager for work, which has contributed to the competitive pricing. The meeting concluded with the council approving the resolution to award the contracts, marking a significant step forward in enhancing the city’s water infrastructure.

Overall, the discussions at the Le Mars City Council meeting underscored the community's growth and the importance of strategic investments in infrastructure to support this development. The council's proactive approach to managing local resources and responding to community needs positions Le Mars for continued progress in the coming years.