Council awards $299,599 contract for Highland Drive and Ridgeview improvements; Iowa City to share sewer costs

The University Heights City Council on May 13 awarded the construction contract for the Highland Drive and Ridgeview Avenue improvements to Eastern Iowa Excavating & Concrete of Cascade, Iowa, at a low bid of $299,599.45 and approved a memorandum of understanding with Iowa City to share sanitary sewer replacement costs identified in project inspections.

Engineer Ryan said bids came in below the city estimate and that Eastern Iowa Excavating’s bid was about $299,599.45; the city’s estimate had been about $341,000. Ryan also said Iowa City inspected existing sanitary sewer manholes in the project area and requested replacement of one, which prompted the MOU to share the sanitary-sewer-related costs.

The council moved and approved Resolution 25-12, authorizing the MOU with Iowa City for sharing sanitary sewer expenses, and Resolution 25-13, awarding the construction contract to Eastern Iowa Excavating & Concrete. Roll-call votes were recorded with the outcome carrying 3–0, with two council members absent.

Ryan said the low bidder had recent positive performance on nearby projects and that four bids were received, ranging from about $300,000 to $380,000. The council did not attach conditions or amendments to the contract award in the meeting.

The project includes street improvements for Highland Drive and Ridgeview Avenue; the transcript did not include detailed construction timelines or start dates. The MOU and contract award proceed together so Iowa City can reimburse its share of sanitary sewer work identified during coordinated inspection.