Kalispell council approves alternative delivery method for biosolids project to speed construction

The Kalispell City Council approved a resolution authorizing findings to use an alternative project delivery contract—the general contractor–construction manager (GCCM) method—for the city's wastewater treatment plant biosolids treatment and disposal project.

Assistant Director of Public Works Keith Haskins summarized the proposal and recommended GCCM over traditional design-bid-build to allow an early contractor role during design, to secure a guaranteed maximum price and to coordinate complex work that must keep treatment operations active during construction. Staff said GCCM will help address complicated activities such as removal and disposal of tanks, rotation and relocation of equipment that must remain in service, and other preconstruction tasks that can accelerate the schedule.

A principal driver is schedule: staff said the improvements need to be in service before the city's agreement with Glacier Gold expires in September. Council members who spoke in support said GCCM can reduce schedule risk and help manage material cost volatility; one councilor cited a prior local project that used a similar approach and reported cost savings.

The council voted to pass Resolution 62-43, authorizing the use of the GCCM delivery method for the biosolids project. The vote was unanimous.

Next steps: staff will proceed with procurement steps permitted under state law for GCCM contracts, consistent with the findings adopted by council, and then negotiate the contract terms and GMP with the selected contractor.