Marshfield utility approves bundled contract to replace 92 private lead services

The Marshfield Utility Commission voted to approve a bundled contract to replace 92 private lead service lines, awarding the work to VanRife Plumbing of Green Bay for a bid of $599,300, staff said.

The move, presented by utility staff member John, combines all remaining private-side replacements into a single contract intended to speed completion of the utility's lead service removal program. John said the bid amount is covered by a combination of Department of Natural Resources funding and a commission contribution approved in March; staff said further approvals from the DNR and bond counsel remain pending.

Commissioners and staff said the work responds to state funding conditions and program deadlines. John said the utility has increased the number of required lead/copper samples for this quarter from 30 to 60; 24 samples have been returned so far and 23 of those were below the action level. He said the program's goal is to have 90% of samples below the action level.

John said the utility packaged the 92 private-side replacements into one bid in part because property owners had been difficult to schedule individually. "We put it together all as a one-bid project for one contractor," he said, describing the rationale for the approach and adding that VanRife has local references. John also said VanRife expects to complete the work in about six weeks after starting and that staff put a contract completion date through the 2026 construction season; he noted specific start and finish dates remain contingent on approvals.

Commissioner Gabrielle asked how the payments would be handled. John explained that properties in certain DNR districts are covered at differing levels of principal forgiveness; for districts without full forgiveness, the commission pledged to contribute toward the remaining costs. John also said staff can pursue a second DNR application in future years if the utility spends at least 85% of the current award and still needs additional funds.

Several commissioners and staff discussed how to handle property owners who refuse replacement. John said the utility plans to coordinate with the common council on a mandatory replacement ordinance if holdouts persist in the final years of the schedule.

The commission made a motion to approve the contract; a roll call was conducted and the motion passed. A commissioner abstained, citing a family conflict, and staff recorded the motion as approved.

Staff said the contract remains contingent on the DNR's final approvals and bond-counsel review; staff will return with final contract documents and scheduling details once those items are resolved.