Council approves $6,700 Stantec proposal to develop DNR site investigation work plan for Loeb Lohrmann property

The Fort Atkinson City Council on Feb. 20 approved a $6,700 proposal from Stantec Consulting Services Inc. to prepare a site investigation work plan for the Loeb Lohrmann remediation project, following Department of Natural Resources (DNR) review that did not accept earlier work by a prior consultant.

Why it matters: The city acquired the property with Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds and seeks closure of contamination and conversion to green space ahead of potential redevelopment. The DNR returned the earlier Terracon site investigation and requested further steps; city staff and counsel engaged Stantec to develop a plan that DNR will review before remediation proceeds.

City staff said Terracon submitted a site investigation in July 2022 and revised materials in July 2023; a DNR letter in December 2024 concluded the prior work was not sufficient. City attorney and staff joined Stantec and recommended a new work plan approach. Manager Hausman said the city has budgeted $15,000 in the 2025 budget for Loeb Lohrmann work; council approval of Stantec's $6,700 task order will be charged to the Loeb Lohrmann remediation fund, currently tracked via assigned ARPA fund balance.

Stantec's work will include assembling additional information, drafting a site investigation work plan for DNR review and assisting the city in identifying potential grant opportunities to cover remediation costs. Staff said full closure and redevelopment timing will depend on DNR requirements and potential developer plans; the city anticipates closure in conjunction with a development expected in 2028 or later.

Votes at a glance: The council approved the proposal for $6,700 and authorized the city manager to execute the professional services agreement.

Ending: Staff said they will return with further steps after Stantec prepares the work plan and after additional DNR review.