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Council awards $290,011 contract to Muth Electric for Seventh and Main traffic-signal upgrade
Summary
Mitchell City Council voted to award a $290,011 rebid to Muth Electric for the Seventh and Main traffic-signal project after staff said the revised design moves the pole to increase clearance for trucks and reduces costs from a prior $544,000 bid.
Mitchell’s City Council on Monday awarded a rebid for the Seventh and Main traffic-signal project to Muth Electric Inc. for $290,011, approving a spring construction start and a projected July 19, 2025 completion date.
The project — rebid after an earlier $544,000 award drew no competition — moves the signal back to provide more clearance for right-turning semis, replaces worn equipment and installs a new controller, city staff said. Mr. Schrader, who presented the bid tabulation, said two bids were received and staff recommended awarding to the low bidder.
Council members pressed staff on crash and strike frequency at the intersection. Councilmember (unnamed) noted the light had been struck “within the last month” and suggested the move will reduce the kind of crashes and curb damage the city has experienced. Project supervisor Terry Johnson told council the existing pole and bases were not originally designed for traffic signals and are “in bad shape,” and said, “This is the first step” toward replacing similarly damaged bases at other intersections.
Supporters of the award pointed to savings compared with the earlier bid: staff said the rebid lowers costs by an estimated $177,000 through moving concrete work into city contracts, procuring equipment directly and using city crews for some work. Public commenter Stuart Hanson thanked councilmembers who pushed for a rebid and called the outcome “a smart fiscally responsible request.”
Council approved the award by roll call vote. Staff said the project is expected to reduce recurring repair costs and operational disruptions when signals are struck, though they did not claim the changes would eliminate all future damage. The city will seek to recoup some repair costs through insurance when incidents occur, but officials said reimbursement can lag and the city still bears short-term repair expenses.
The council did not amend the schedule at the meeting; staff said they will begin procurement and prepare for construction in the spring.
