Council approves $4.227 million contract for wastewater treatment plant upgrades

The council opened a public hearing on proposed plans, specifications, form of contract, and estimate of cost for improvements at the Decorah Wastewater Treatment Plant. Staff said the engineer’s estimate for the project was $4,300,000 and that the project includes replacement of the influent screen, anaerobic digester heat exchangers, aeration blowers and diffusers, clarifier drives and electrical controls.

No public comments were offered during the hearing. Staff reported receiving six bids and recommended awarding the contract to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, Staub Construction Corporation of Marshfield, Wisconsin, which submitted a bid of $4,227,000. Council members thanked plant staff for maintenance that extended the plant’s service life and noted that this project is an equipment replacement package rather than construction of a new plant.

Council adopted a resolution confirming the plans and awarding the contract by roll call. Multiple councilmembers praised plant staff for preventive maintenance and the long service life of the existing plant prior to replacement of end‑of‑life equipment.

What the contract covers: equipment replacement (screens, heat exchangers, blowers, fine bubble diffusers, clarifier drives), site demolition and associated mechanical and electrical work. The action also advances required SRF (State Revolving Fund) administrative steps for funding and bid acceptance.

Implementation and funding: staff described the project as competitive‑bid work above the statutory threshold and noted SRF administrative steps are part of the procurement and funding process. The contract award requires contractor coordination with city staff for staging, schedule and SRF compliance.

Outcome: contract awarded to Staub Construction Corporation for $4,227,000; Council approved the resolution and the associated bid acceptance.