Council OKs $2.3 million in utility work for Belmar and Tower Hill; approves several public‑works contracts

Fitchburg — The Common Council approved multiple public‑works actions April 28, authorizing utility replacements and several smaller capital projects.

The council accepted the low bidder for the Belmar and Tower Hill utility improvements project. Staff recommended awarding the work to Speedway Sand and Gravel; with alternates and contingencies the project cost was stated at about $2,300,000. The project scope includes stormwater and water main replacement in Belmar and water work in Tower Hill. Staff explained resurfacing will be handled through separate resurfacing contracts while the utility work is completed. "The new water main should last a 100 years plus," a public‑works representative said, noting cast‑iron mains will be replaced with ductile‑iron pipe.

Council also granted Madison Gas and Electric an underground electric easement (Resolution R75‑26) to serve the city’s new water tower site and accepted a $68,000 bid (plus contingency) to reroof the police storage building (Resolution R93‑26). The council approved Contract Amendment No. 3 for Futrona Road engineering services (Resolution R88‑26), adding roughly $48,000 to cover additional meetings and design work tied to property acquisitions; staff described the total engineering cost at about $585,000 for the project.

Votes were taken by roll call and voice where appropriate; board of public works and finance referrals were noted in packet materials. Staff reminded residents of hydrant flushing (through May 15) and said water‑tower painting will begin once frost risk passes.

What happens next: Staff will finalize contracts and schedule work; project phasing is intended to minimize school‑bus and commuter impacts while utility replacement is underway.

All dollar figures, project scopes and technical descriptions are derived directly from council presentations and staff comments at the April 28 meeting.