Blaine awards $85,000 storm‑sewer contract after resident raises sump‑pump drainage complaint

The Blaine City Council on Oct. 6 authorized a contract with Fields Contracting of Harris, Minn., to carry out storm‑sewer repairs — including a connection to a drainage line serving a Polk Street home that a resident said was rust‑staining new curbs and her driveway. The low bid was $85,000; council also approved a 10% contingency that brings the project budget to about $93,000. The work is planned for this fall.

Resident Angela Ash, who gave her address at the podium, told the council that new curbs installed near her home have been stained by discharge from a neighbor’s sump pump and that the runoff has “ruined my driveway.” She said she had brought a sample and described the water as “very odoriferous.”

Dan Schoelander, director, told the council staff combined the Polk Street repair with other stormwater outlet work after the city found it did not need the full budget originally set aside for a separate Fourth Street outlet. “This plan includes drain tile that will actually be drilled under Polk Street to the south [and] will allow the resident to hook up to that and then drain into a storm sewer system,” Schoelander said, adding the system ties into existing ponds and grass‑lined conveyances to divert water from the street.

Schoelander told the council the city received seven bids for the combined project, ranging from $85,000 to $250,000, and that staff checked references before recommending Fields Contracting as the low, responsive bidder. He said the 2025 stormwater budget included roughly $100,000 for repairs and that the recommended contract and contingency fit within the appropriated budget.

Council member Newland moved to authorize the city manager and mayor to execute the contract; Council member Robertson seconded the motion. The motion carried and the council instructed staff to coordinate directly with the resident about the Polk Street connection.

The staff report and discussion noted the city investigated several local repair options before combining work packages for bidding. Staff said construction is scheduled for this fall and that the contract includes a 10% contingency to address potential change orders or unforeseen site conditions.