Kiel Council awards $1.65 million Fourth Street reconstruction contract to Don Parker Excavating

Kiel City Council voted unanimously to accept the low bid from Don Parker Excavating of Hortonville for the Fourth Street reconstruction project, approving a contract for $1,652,563.82.

The project covers the full stretch of Fourth Street up to the park, will widen a narrow section and include sewer and electric work, City staff said. Staff recommended awarding the contract to Don Parker Excavating after reviewing the bid tabulation and finding that company’s offer the lowest of those received.

Robert E. Lee, who performed the bid tabulation for the city, presented the bid packet and the recommendation included in the council packet. General Manager of Utilities Chris August and other staff told the council the bid is within the city's budgeted amount for planned borrowing and that staff will present a detailed cost breakdown, including the city and utilities’ shares, at the next Committee of the Whole.

Councilmember Schutte made the motion to accept the bid; Councilmember Krieger seconded. A roll-call vote recorded all five council members in favor and the motion carried.

City staff said the work is expected to begin this year. The project scope described to the council included removing and rebuilding pavement, widening a narrow segment toward the north end, and addressing sewer and electric infrastructure during construction.

The council did not provide a detailed construction schedule in the meeting; staff said they will provide a cost split and additional schedule details at the next Committee of the Whole.

Votes at a glance: Motion to accept the Fourth Street construction bid to Don Parker Excavating for $1,652,563.82 — passed, unanimous (5–0).

The council’s packet included the full bid tabulation and the staff recommendation letter; councilmembers indicated prior positive experience with the contractor on other local projects.