Evansville utility board approves multiple project advertisements and a construction award

The Evansville Water and Sewer Utility Board approved a package of project actions at its Aug. 20 meeting, including advertising two major bids, awarding a construction contract and approving a change order and an easement settlement.

The board voted to advertise bids for the East Mill and Weaver Roads water-main replacement project (U1191). An unidentified presenter (Speaker 5) told the board the project would install about 3,100 linear feet of 8-inch pipe on Mill Road between Stringtown and Weaver and on Weaver Road north of Mill Road. Advertising was scheduled to begin Aug. 23 and Aug. 30, with a bid opening set for Sept. 17. The presenter said the engineer’s estimate is $1,028,061. “I recommend approval to move forward with advertising,” the presenter said; the board approved the motion by voice vote.

The board also approved advertising for the 2024 annual sewer-lining program, Frederick (Bendrick) Neighborhood Phase 1 (project U1246). A presenter (Speaker 3) said the base bid covers about 10,400 linear feet of 12- to 18-inch mains upstream of the Weinbach Lift Station, with an engineer’s estimate of $1,594,327 and four alternates totaling $401,112. The board approved advertising by voice vote.

On procurement, staff recommended awarding the campground booster station rehabilitation, project U1207, to Dyke Brothers Lumber & Construction Co. Inc. for $967,069. An unidentified presenter (Speaker 6) said HNTB (the project designer), City Purchasing and the City Compliance Officer reviewed the two bids and recommended the award; the presenter noted MWBE participation was slightly above 4 percent and met the good-faith effort requirement. The board approved the award by voice vote.

The board approved a change order (No. 5) to Bowen Engineering for work on the lift-station project. Staff said the change order adds five pay items, covers design revisions for the permanent generator foundation, and adds 45 calendar days to the schedule. The presenter said the redesign caused delays in permanent power installation, storm sewer and final grading; the board approved the change order by voice vote. (Transcript readings of the change-order dollar amount were inconsistent; the presenter stated $9,171 for the change order but a subsequent readback in the meeting included a larger figure; the official contract record should be consulted for the correct amount.)

The board also approved an administrative settlement memorandum for parcel 4 associated with the Horse Main relocation (project U1209) at the Kimber Lane–Lloyd Expressway intersection. Staff (Speaker 3) said the initial offer was $31,600 for permanent and temporary easements; the owner countered seeking an additional $7,450, bringing the proposed payment to $39,050 to cover lender consent, a tree removal and sign/electrical relocation. Staff advised condemnation could cost more; the board approved the settlement.

Board President (Speaker 1) presided over the motions and voice votes. Several presenters answered members’ questions about scope, alternates and schedules during the meeting. The board did not set construction contractors’ start dates at the meeting; contract documents and award letters will contain specific timetables.

Next steps: advertised bids will open on the dates announced and award recommendations will return to the board for formal approval where required.