Kenosha Water Utility approves $1.07 million contract for lift-station upgrades

The City of Kenosha Water Utility Board of Water Commissioners voted to award a $1,072,300 contract to Mid City Corporation for phase 2 improvements to a sanitary sewer lift station during its Monday, Sept. 22 meeting.

The work covers mechanical and capacity upgrades at a larger lift station southwest of the Menards near Highway 50 and adjacent railroad tracks. Staff described the project as addressing code-compliance issues and additional capacity needs tied to growth “out west along [the] 994 Corridor.”

Staff member Zarniak, who explained the project to the board, said the lift station moves sewage from low topographical areas where gravity flow is not possible. “It’s just southwest of the Menards there off Highway 50, right next to the railroad tracks,” Zarniak said. He told commissioners the station requires both code-compliance upgrades and capacity increases. Zarniak said the upgrades include pump work and improvements to the rail system for the pumps; the new pumps and impeller changes will increase capacity to meet current and anticipated demand.

Zarniak told the board bids were competitive and “all within roughly $300,000 of each other.” He said Mid City Corporation has previously done underground mechanical work for the utility and recommended awarding the contract to the lowest bidder. The board discussed change orders and contingency; staff said the Water Utility does not typically include a separate contingency line item in awards and would return to the board for any work beyond the contract scope.

A motion to approve the contract was moved and seconded and passed on a voice vote; commissioners present voiced assent and the chair cast an affirmative vote. The utility did not specify a formal dollar contingency in the award; staff said any additional work above the contract would be brought back to the board for approval.