Board of Public Works approves multiple contracts, change orders and sewer credits; hears contractor presentation on 2024 resurfacing delays

At its Jan. 23 meeting, the Waukesha City Board of Public Works approved several procurement and contract items, accepted multiple one-time sewer credits and heard a presentation by Musson Brothers about delays on the 2024 asphalt resurfacing and utility project.

Contract awards and amendments - Boiler replacement, Fire Station 1: The board recommended awarding the low bid to August Winter & Sons for $53,400. The motion was seconded; the board recorded aye votes and approved the award. - Cemetery administration building HVAC: The city received no bids; staff will rebid the project. - Contract amendment — Strand Associates (operational assistance): The board approved contract amendment No. 6, not to exceed $20,000 for as-needed engineering assistance at the clean water plant. Kevin Riley made the motion; Payne seconded; the board approved the amendment. - Contract extension — United Liquid Waste (biosolids hauling): The board approved a one-year extension at the existing bid rate (reported as $27.50 per ton). The board approved the extension on a recorded vote. - Change order — alley reconstruction (Always Contractors): The board approved change order No. 1 for additional poor-soil excavation, $26,154, citing additional quantities encountered during the 2024 alley reconstruction project.

Payments and credits - Approval of payments: The board approved a consent list of 12 payments and final project payments. - One-time sewer credits: The board approved a set of one-time sewer credits for individual residents to adjust sewer charges for unusual water uses or leaks. Staff recommended specific credit amounts; the board approved the list. Examples from the staff recommendation include a $803.73 credit for an exterior leak at 1923 Sunnyside Drive and $292.30 for filling a swimming pool at 2303 Bramblewood Court. Staff investigated each request and recommended amounts.

Musson Brothers presentation (non-action) Musson Brothers representatives described weather-related and industry-wide staffing constraints that delayed completion of the city’s 2024 resurfacing and utility improvement project. Company vice president Pete Dufek and project manager Bob Duretz said significant rain and limited asphalt plant availability compressed multiple projects into the late season; work stopped when weather and plant availability made final paving impractical. City staff said the contractor will be required to complete remaining work promptly when weather permits and that liquidated damages and a contract change order extending the completion date are anticipated.

Votes at a glance (selected items) - Boiler replacement, Fire Station 1: approved; low bid $53,400; mover: not specified; second: Kevin Riley; vote: recorded ayes. - Strand Associates amendment (operational assistance): approved; amount not to exceed $20,000; mover: Kevin Riley; second: Payne; vote: recorded ayes. - United Liquid Waste extension (biosolids hauling): approved; rate $27.50/ton continued; mover: not specified; second: Kevin Riley; vote: recorded ayes. - Always Contractors change order (alley reconstruction): approved; $26,154; mover: Kevin Riley; second: not specified; vote: recorded ayes. - One-time sewer credits (multiple residents): approved; mover: Kevin Riley; second: not specified; vote: recorded ayes.

The Musson Brothers presentation was informational; the board indicated it expects the contractor to resume and complete outstanding work in spring and that staff will manage required contract change orders, liquidated damages and a schedule to minimize further disruption to residents.