The Waupaca Common Council on Jan. 7 authorized a design-services agreement with McMahon Associates for the Bowlby lift station project, approving a not-to-exceed contract of $258,300 with funding supported by sewer revenue bonds.

Public Works staff said McMahon prepared the 2024 preliminary study and submitted the low proposal among two firms evaluated. Director Justin Barrons told council the design effort will produce bid-ready plans for reconstruction of the lift station in 2026, installation of a force main up the hill, new gravity mains adjacent to the station and a water-line loop to close an existing gap near the Woods Mall and Old Turney Cheese.

Barrons described the planned underground configuration as a steel tube with an entry and internal ladder access down to the pump room, which staff said reduces lift and pumping energy compared with a surface-mounted configuration. He also noted procurement lead times for major pump components and backup generators and said early design work was needed to avoid delays.

Alderman (mover) Belgher moved the agreement; Colin Dykstra seconded. A roll call recorded 10 ayes and the motion carried.