Council awards $5.13 million contract for high‑zone raw water main

The Cottage Grove City Council on April 2 awarded a $5,134,648 contract to A1 Excavating LLC for a high‑zone raw water main that will connect Well 11 and Well 12 to the city’s planned intermediate water treatment plant.

Public Works Director Ryan Burfein said the nearly all‑underground project will install a 16‑inch untreated water main across the northern part of the city so untreated water from Wells 11 (Highlands Park) and 12 (Sunny Hill Park) can be routed to the new plant for treatment and then pumped back. "It is nearly all funded through the 3M Settlement Project," Burfein said, and he identified small city costs for trail repair and other non‑eligible items.

Burfein told the council five contractors submitted bids and all were under the engineer’s estimate; the city recommended A1 Excavating based on price and local familiarity. He also said the city will bundle some sanitary‑sewer lining work while the contractor is on site to avoid additional mobilization charges; sanitary lining will be paid from the Sanitary Sewer Utility Fund. A minor over‑sizing to support a future well near the plant will be paid from the Water Area Fund.

Councilmember Garza moved adoption of Resolution 2025-539 awarding the high zone raw water main project to A1 Excavating LLC in the amount of $5,134,648; Councilmember Thiede seconded and the motion carried by voice vote. Burfein said staff had confidence in the low bidder and did not identify any scope omissions.

Construction will affect the Pine Tree Valley trail where the route crosses work areas; Burfein said neighborhood connector paths will be replaced and that the contractor schedule will determine specific timing. The council asked no substantive changes to the award; staff will return with contract documents and a construction schedule.