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Village board approves Honey Creek restoration contract, authorizes engineering amendment and a transfer to fund village share
Summary
The East Troy Village Board awarded the Honey Creek Nature Area improvement project to Somerset Marine with the composite decking alternate, approved a $57,690.50 engineering amendment, and authorized a $238,192 operational transfer from the general fund to the capital fund to cover the village’s portion of the project.
The East Troy Village Board voted to award the Honey Creek Nature Area Improvement Project to Somerset Marine Construction LLC, approving the composite decking alternate and authorizing related engineering work and funding to advance construction.
Tim (project staff) told the board the unique nature of the work—extensive boardwalks, trails and Mil Pond Park reconstruction—produced a single responsive bid from Somerset. Engineers included an alternate for composite decking (high-density polyethylene) and presented a present‑value analysis showing that, while the composite has higher upfront material costs, it reduces long‑term replacement and maintenance costs compared with treated lumber.
The board also approved an engineering amendment to Lynch and Associates for construction‑related services and grant‑reimbursement assistance for $57,690.50. In the same motion sequence, trustees endorsed a $238,192 operational transfer from the general fund to the capital fund that staff recommended to fully fund the village’s share of the Honey Creek restoration work.
Why it matters: The project is the largest park investment discussed at the meeting and includes a substantial state stewardship grant already awarded for the work. Staff said the village has been awarded a DNR stewardship grant of $458,236 toward the project and is considering a future grant round to extend trails west, add a pedestrian bridge and fund shoreline restoration.
What officials said: Tim recommended the composite decking alternate, saying engineers found it will “last much longer” and avoid issues such as warping and splintering that the village experienced with previous treated‑lumber structures. An engineering representative suggested high‑density polyethylene as a durable option that can be repaired if scuffed or marred.
Board action and next steps: The board moved and approved the contract award with the composite decking alternate and then moved and approved the Lynch and Associates amendment for $57,690.50. Staff noted the grant application deadline for an additional stewardship round is May 1; staff estimated a future extension/bridge segment at about $550,000 in construction cost and suggested seeking a 50–50 grant match if the board wants to pursue it. The project procurement and engineering approvals clear the way for construction planning and grant administration.
Funding and procurement specifics: The project bid, the composite decking alternate and the present‑value comparisons were discussed in detail at the meeting. Staff recommended moving forward with the composite alternate despite higher initial material cost because of lifecycle savings and reduced maintenance. The board directed staff to continue design coordination with Parks and Recreation and to evaluate camera/utility pole locations as construction proceeds. The meeting record shows the board approved the contract award and the engineering amendment; final contractual amounts on the main construction contract should be confirmed in the official contract documents for publication and auditing.
