Board pauses award for rebid project to explore longer-term fixes and funding options

The Waukesha City Board of Public Works on June 19 voted to put on hold a recommendation to award a rebid project to DH Royal Construction LLC for the base bid of $304,048.39 so staff can examine longer-term repair options and funding alternatives.

Why it matters: The delay directs staff to evaluate whether a longer-lasting material — cited examples included cement board or LP SmartSide — would reduce ongoing repainting and maintenance, and to check alternative funding sources before the board forwards a recommendation to council.

Board action and discussion A staff presentation noted that the project is a rebid and that the bid tab recommended awarding the base bid to DH Royal Construction LLC in the amount of $304,048.39. Joe, board member, moved to place the item on hold so staff could review alternative materials and options; a second was recorded and the motion passed by voice vote.

Joe, board member, said, “I would like to make a motion to just put this item on hold till our next meeting. ... I'd like to put the item on hold just to give staff some more time to look at a couple of different options with the project.” Melissa, project staff, and other staff said they would follow up and that the finance director was out on vacation, and Joe said he would also explore fundraising possibilities.

Outcome The motion to hold the award carried unanimously. The board directed staff to return with additional options and cost information at a future meeting before any final award is sent to council.

Ending No further action was taken on this item at the June 19 meeting; staff will report back with alternatives and updated cost estimates.