Council approves $38,000 contract estimate with Strand for MS4 stormwater program work

The Onalaska Common Council approved engaging Strand Associates for professional services to support the city’s MS4 stormwater permit and stormwater quality program, with an estimated fee of $38,000.

Finance Director Sabrina Steger and Public Works Director Jared Holter told the council Strand has performed these services for the city for years and that the work includes inspections of best management practices, pond infiltration testing, illicit‑discharge screening, and reporting required under the municipal separate storm sewer (MS4) permit. Staff said the city budgets this as a contractual service in the stormwater fund.

Holter and Steger said staffing limits make consultant support necessary; Holter said the consultant historically provides detailed photo documentation and reports that would be difficult to match with a new vendor or with current staff capacity. Steger noted the city typically budgets and retains specialized vendors for recurring technical services and that the work was within the existing budget.

Mayor Kim Smith made the motion to approve engaging Strand for the MS4 stormwater permit stormwater quality program for an estimated $38,000; the motion was seconded and approved unanimously.

Council members asked clarifying questions about whether the city must issue a request for proposals; staff said the type of specialized, recurring work and the existing relationship make using the incumbent consultant typical practice, and they noted the budget includes capacity for this contract. Holter said a future staff hire is proposed in the budget to allow the city to do more in‑house work over time.