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Oconomowoc council approves Cottonwood Creek restoration contract with funding condition
Summary
The council voted to award a $396,791 contract to CWP of Oak Creek for instream and streambank work on Cottonwood Creek, adding a condition that neighboring municipalities contribute $25,000 each by Dec. 31, 2024; staff said the project is funded largely by a Wisconsin DNR grant and is expected to reduce phosphorus runoff.
The Oconomowoc Common Council on Dec. 17 voted to award a construction contract to CWP of Oak Creek, Wisconsin, to carry out instream and streambank work on Cottonwood Creek aimed at reducing phosphorus loading to Lac LaBelle and downstream waters. The low bid was $396,791; the contract award includes a 10% contingency, bringing the total allowable project cost to $436,470.
Utility staff member Tim told the council the project is funded in part by a 50% cost-share grant from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, with additional contributions from the town of Oconomowoc, the village of Lac LaBelle, the Loch LaBelle Lake Management District and watershed funds; Tall Pines Conservancy will provide in-kind staff work. Eric Jost of the wastewater department said the project’s modeled phosphorus reduction is “between 50 and a hundred pounds” per year but cautioned that measurements vary with storm events.
During deliberations Alderman Rosack moved to add language conditioning the city’s approval on the village of Lac LaBelle and the town of Oconomowoc contributing $25,000 each by Dec. 31, 2024. The motion was seconded and carried on a roll-call vote. The roll call recorded aye votes from Aldermen Maroney, Rosick/Rosack, Ellis, Spiegelberg, Mulder and Shellpepper; two members were excused or absent.
Tim said the city and its engineering consultant vetted the low bidder and noted prior work in Milwaukee County by the contractor. Council members raised no objections to contractor qualifications after staff confirmed vetting and an on-site pre-bid conference held Nov. 25 and a bid opening on Dec. 4.
The council approved the resolution awarding the contract and the contingency with the added funding condition. Next steps include finalizing contract documents and confirming partner contributions before work begins.
