Washington council unanimously awards Grand Isle relief sewer contract to address stormwater and add sidewalks

The Washington City Council voted unanimously on June 16 to award the contract for the Grand Isle Drive relief storm sewer and associated sidewalk work after staff recommended the low bid for the project.

Staff said the project, identified in a 2022 storm water assessment by TWWM, places a new storm sewer, manholes and sidewalks along the west side of Grand Isle from McKenzie Street toward the waterway between Elgen and Fyet Avenue. The city presented an engineers estimate of $689,177.50 and reported two bidders: NAP Concrete at about $734,451.25 and Stark Excavating at approximately $598,412. Staff recommended awarding the contract to the low bidder to help alleviate drainage issues in inlets and detention basins and to provide safer walking routes for students.

Alderperson McIntyre, who moved the motion, said the award is part of a larger multi‑year effort funded in part by a sales tax increase and called it “a kickoff” in the council’s stormwater program. “This is one of those perfect opportunities,” McIntyre said, praising staff work on the project.

Public works staff noted the fiscal year 2026 budget includes $475,000 in the storm water management fund and said staff believes there are cost‑saving measures that can reduce the overage. The project materials and construction documents were prepared by city engineering staff and were referenced on the city website; staff noted the bid opening took place on June 13.

The motion to approve the contract award (moved by McIntyre; seconded by Smith) passed 6–0. The council did not specify a construction start date during the meeting; staff recommended beginning excavation after contract finalization and final coordination with the contractor.