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Brainerd City approves awards and scope expansion for 2026 galvanized water service-line replacement program
Summary
The commission awarded two 2026 galvanized service-line replacement contracts to apparent low bidders and approved a $43,880 professional-services amendment to add 19 additional service-line replacements under a $2.675 million PFA allocation.
The Brainerd City Commission on May 26 approved contract awards and a design/construction-administration fee amendment to advance the 2026 galvanized water service-line replacement program.
Paul, Public Works Director, presented bid results for Project No. 1 (tied to the city’s 2026 street reconstruction) and recommended awarding the work to the apparent low bidder, Dshantel Excavating, based on the bids submitted. Commissioners moved and approved the award by voice vote.
Staff then presented Project No. 2 (Northeast Brainerd, along Gillis Avenue and First/Second Avenues Northeast) where Dantel Excavating submitted the apparent low bid. Commissioners discussed whether the bid covers an additional 19 service lines and how a change order would be negotiated. Paul explained the change-order path and said mobilization costs likely would not be charged again if the work flows from the current contract area.
Paul also recommended a fee amendment with engineering firm Bolton & Mink to add right-of-entry processing, additional construction administration and MDH certification work to accommodate 19 extra replacements. Staff listed the total PFA funding allocation as $2.675 million and said, based on bid averages and engineering estimates, the city can pursue those additional 19 lines and six currently-identified leaking services while the funding remains available. Commissioners approved the Bolton & Mink fee amendment for $43,880 by motion and voice vote.
Paul and commissioners noted challenges in securing property-owner agreements, particularly for rental properties where landlords can be hard to reach, and said staff will continue outreach and prioritize getting the most service lines completed under the $2.675 million cap. If some property owners decline, staff will identify other qualifying addresses and bring negotiated change orders back to the commission for final approval.
Next steps: staff will negotiate change orders with the contractor for the additional service lines, secure right-of-entry agreements with property owners, coordinate certification with the Minnesota Department of Health, and return to the commission for approval of any change orders that alter contract sums or schedules.
