Wausau Board of Public Works approves chiller replacement, lead-line work and prequalifies bidders for paving and parking projects

The Wausau Board of Public Works on April 22 approved a recommendation to proceed with the 2025 Public Safety Building chiller replacement, authorized payment for a lead service line replacement contractor, approved several contractor licenses subject to member review, and returned from a closed session to prequalify bidders for two 2025 public-works projects.

The chiller replacement recommendation, described by a board member as having a total cost of $347,000, was approved “contingent on a budget modification for the additional cost of the project being approved by the city council,” the board recorded. The motion passed on a voice vote with all members present responding “Aye.”

The board approved payment arrangements with Community Infrastructure Partners for the 2025 lead service-line replacement project. The total cost listed in the meeting record was $216,851.99; a board member said, “Work has begun, within the city. Construction works, so that's good.” That motion also passed unanimously.

The board approved several contractor license items with conditions that members would review paperwork immediately following the meeting. Agenda items listed an apartment concrete license for SD Ellenbecker and B and D Plumbing and Heating and a concrete/painting license for BlackLine Asphalt Incorporated; members moved to approve those licenses subject to individual review and seconded the motions, and votes were recorded in the affirmative.

Before a closed session, a board member moved to convene under Wisconsin Statutes § 19.85(1)(b) to consider and deliberate prequalification statements for the 2025 Asphalt Paving Project A and the 2025 Downtown Parking Improvements. The board voted to enter closed session and later returned to open session.

After returning to open session, the board approved the following prequalified bidders for the 2025 Asphalt Paving Project A: American Asphalt and RC Papers. The board also approved a list of prequalified bidders for the 2025 Downtown Parking Improvements project: Earth Incorporated; Hassans Incorporated; Integrity Grading and Excavating; Narcon Corporation; Pembroke Companies; PGA Incorporated; Petricas Construction; SD Ellenbecker; Switlik and Sons; Mitton Construction Company; and Zignego. Both motions passed on voice votes with members answering “Aye.”

The meeting concluded with a unanimous motion to adjourn.

Votes at a glance - Approval of minutes for April 8 and April 10: motion approved, mover Board Member 2, second Board Member 1, outcome approved (voice vote). - 2025 Public Safety Building chiller replacement: motion to recommend approval contingent on city-council budget modification; total cost listed $347,000; outcome approved (voice vote). - Payment/authorization with Community Infrastructure Partners for 2025 lead service-line replacement: total cost $216,851.99; motion approved; board noted work has begun (voice vote). - Contractor licenses (SD Ellenbecker; B and D Plumbing and Heating; BlackLine Asphalt Incorporated): motions to approve subject to member review; outcomes approved (voice votes). - Closed session under Wis. Stat. § 19.85(1)(b) to consider prequalification statements for 2025 paving and downtown parking improvements: motion to enter closed session approved (voice vote). - Prequalification approvals after closed session: Asphalt Paving Project A (American Asphalt; RC Papers) and Downtown Parking Improvements (listed firms): motions approved (voice votes). - Adjournment: motion approved (voice vote).

The board identified the city council as the authority to approve the budget modification required for the chiller project; no other external approvals or funding breakdowns were specified during the meeting.