Reedsburg awards Gathering Place restroom contract to T and M General Contractors; project exceeds budget

The Reedsburg City Council approved a notice of award to T and M General Contractors for construction of the Gathering Place restroom building, accepting the low bid and selected alternates after staff outlined bid breakdowns and funding options.

Parks staff presented bid results and recommended accepting T and M as the low bidder. Staff reported the low bid including all alternates totaled about $251,316; the city had budgeted $200,000 for the project. The city applied for a Vibrant Spaces grant that could contribute $50,000 if awarded; staff said the grant decision is expected in mid-March.

In the staff presentation, project alternates were described in detail. The family restroom alternate (alternate A1) was listed at $18,007.21 from the low bidder; the drinking fountain alternate was listed at $6,001.57. Staff recommended selecting alternate 2A (a higher-end asphalt or specified metal roof) rather than alternate 2B because of long-term value despite the small cost difference.

Council member Phil Peterson moved to accept the low bid with all alternates and to select alternate 2A for the roof; Jason Schulte seconded. The motion passed on a voice vote. Staff said construction could proceed this summer if the Vibrant Spaces grant is awarded and that the city will fund the difference, using a combination of park impact fees, some Webb Fund dollars and capital improvement/property-tax money as previously budgeted.

Parks staff said the park impact fee balance is healthy and that if the grant is not awarded the city could remove some alternates to reduce cost. The city’s previous budget plan anticipated about $125,000 from capital improvements (property tax) with additional funds coming from park impact fees; staff did not provide a line-by-line funding release in the meeting.