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Ishpeming approves $1.3 million in contractor payments; sewer work near completion but river crossing remains
Summary
The council approved multiple construction payments totaling $1,311,840.79 for water project work and $267,001.21 for clean water (sewer) work, and authorized a final contractor payment for a Second Street storm sewer repair. Staff said most sanitary work will be complete in a month, but a river crossing remains the major outstanding item.
Ishpeming's council approved several large contractor payments and closed out one local repair at the June meeting.
Council approved a payment total of $1,311,840.79 to UP Engineers, Lindbergh & Sons and Payne & Dolan for recent water project work under "Resolution 16‑2025." Council later approved a separate clean water (sewer) progress payment under "Resolution 17‑2025" for $267,001.21. Both payments were approved by voice vote.
The council also approved a final payment to Payne & Dolan for corrective work on the Second Street storm sewer in the amount of $24,612.92. Council members said they had withheld retainage during the winter to produce a spring punch list; staff recommended closing the contract after field review.
City project staff described remaining work on the sanitary system as largely complete except for a river crossing. "Most of the work is, I would say in the next month will be complete on the sanitary side," said Chris, a city staff member who oversees construction, adding that slip‑lining, manhole lining and a remaining river crossing are the main outstanding items.
Staff described slip‑lining as a minimally invasive method to rehabilitate pipes by pulling a resin‑saturated liner into place and curing it in situ; the technique avoids open excavation in many locations and extends pipe life by decades. Project managers said the approach reduces groundwater infiltration and lowers wastewater volumes the city must pay to dispose.
Council moved and approved each payment after staff presented contractor invoices and on‑site verification by city field personnel. Staff said routine Wednesday coordination meetings with contractors help resolve field questions and keep monthly progress billings aligned with actual work.
Council members asked for continued updates on the river crossing and any cost implications; staff said they are negotiating methods with the contractor and will report back.
