Muscatine County staff recommended and the Board of Supervisors approved awarding a contract to Higher Construction for the downtown parking lot and sidewalk project, which includes sidewalk replacement along Fourth Street opposite the courthouse, curb work and replacement of a sidewalk and employee parking area at the county jail.

County development staff reported five bids were received and recommended issuing a contract to Higher Construction as the low bidder. The meeting record includes two closely different figures: the meeting agenda listed a low bid of $155,344.25, and staff recommended issuing a contract in the amount of $155,003.44 and 25 cents. County staff presented Brad Rowe of WaterSmith as having reviewed the bids and concurred with the recommendation.

A motion to approve the contract award was made and seconded; the board voted in favor. No member of the public offered comment during that item.

Project description: the work will replace sidewalk opposite the Muscatine County courthouse on Fourth Street, replace curb where indicated, and replace a large section of sidewalk in front of the jail on Walnut Street along with employee parking improvements. Staff said the city will partner on the curb replacement.

Funding and schedule: staff presented the contract award as a standard bid-award administrative action; no new county incentives or grants were requested during the discussion. County staff will finalize the contract paperwork and return to the board if required by purchasing procedures.