Wausau Board of Public Works approves lead‑line change orders, sidewalk and downtown payments; votes to meet in closed session

The Wausau Board of Public Works on a series of unanimous votes approved change orders adding a combined 154 full lead service line replacements costing $1,213,211, awarded sidewalk and pedestrian-safety contracts, approved a downtown redevelopment payment and voted to go into closed session to consider prequalification statements for Wausau Waterworks asbestos abatement.

The board approved two change orders with contractor 5 Star Energy: change order 3 for the 2024–2026 construction contract adding 128 full lead service line replacements for $988,744, and change order 1 for the 2025 contract adding 26 full replacements for $224,467. Both motions were moved by an unnamed board member and seconded by another board member; each passed on voice votes.

The board also approved a $12,643 contract from Traffic Control Corporation for rectangular rapid flashing beacons and awarded the 2025 sidewalk repair Project B to Pembroke Companies for $85,976.95. Separately, the board approved Pembroke Companies’ pay estimate No. 6 for the 2025 downtown mall redevelopment Phase 2 in the amount of $501,708.12. Those motions likewise passed unanimously.

Why it matters: The change orders expand the city’s lead service line replacement effort using additional federal funding. A board member said the additional federal money carries the same split and that the private‑side work will be 100% principal forgiveness. An unidentified staff member told the board, "I spoke with Tammy, and we're gonna be able to fund the full project." The board noted that professional services and non‑construction costs are unchanged because they were established as not‑to‑exceed amounts.

Details and context: The board discussed why the contract and purchase order amounts appear to differ. A board member explained the construction work was bid for 2024 through 2026 to satisfy Department of Natural Resources (DNR) requirements; however, purchase orders reflect only the work council has approved through 2025. Staff provided a spreadsheet in the packet showing totals for both construction contracts with 5 Star Energy. During discussion one board member sought clarification about numbering of change orders; the members confirmed they had just approved change order 3 for the original contract and were now approving change order 1 for the separate 2025 contract.

Votes at a glance: - Rectangular rapid flashing beacons (Traffic Control Corporation), $12,643 — motion approved (mover: Board member 1; second: Board member 2; voice vote: aye). - Sidewalk repair Project B (award to Pembroke Companies), $85,976.95 — motion approved (recommendation from staff; mover: Board member 1; second: Board member 2; voice vote: aye). - Change order 3 (5 Star Energy, 2024–2026 contract), 128 full lead service line replacements, $988,744 — motion approved (mover: Board member 1; second: Board member 2; voice vote: aye). - Change order 1 (5 Star Energy, 2025 contract), 26 full lead service line replacements, $224,467 — motion approved (mover: Board member 1; second: Board member 2; voice vote: aye). - Pembroke Companies pay estimate No. 6 (downtown mall redevelopment Phase 2), $501,708.12 — motion approved (mover: Board member 1; second: Board member 2; voice vote: aye). - Motion to move to closed session "pursuant to" Wisconsin law to consider prequalification statements for 2025 Wausau Waterworks asbestos abatement — motion approved (mover: Board member 1; second: Board member 2; voice vote: aye). The board invoked the closed‑session statute cited during the meeting.

The board said the lead service line work was feasible because of additional federal funding and principal‑forgiveness terms for private‑side replacements; the staff presentation noted nonconstruction professional fees remain under previously approved not‑to‑exceed amounts. The board packet included a spreadsheet and a memo outlining the contracts and change orders. The meeting concluded with a unanimous vote to enter closed session under the Wisconsin open‑meetings statute to review prequalification statements for an upcoming asbestos‑abatement procurement for Wausau Waterworks.

Further action: The closed session was called to consider prequalification statements for the 2025 Wausau Waterworks asbestos abatement; no public details were discussed in open session. Future public action or contract awards related to the asbestos abatement, the downtown redevelopment, sidewalk project or lead service line work were not decided in the open record beyond the approvals listed above.