Wisner awards Phase II Highway 275 utilities relocation to Obrist & Co.; water plant startup pushed to spring

The Wisner City Council on Jan. 5 approved awarding the Phase II Highway 275 utilities relocation contract to Obrist & Company of Columbus, Nebraska, at the apparent low bid of $467,964.50 after JEO Consulting reviewed four submissions.

Roger Protzman of JEO told the council one bidder submitted a proposal with a $30,000 arithmetic error that reduced that bid’s total. Protzman said Obrist’s bid was the lowest and that he had “no legal reason not to approve the lowest bid,” while noting Obrist had experienced communication issues on a prior project in Albion but no formal complaints in Lindsey. Councilman Barry Meyer moved to accept JEO’s recommendation; Councilwoman Cathy Gobar seconded and the motion carried on a roll-call vote (ayes: Parker, Schweers, Meyer, Gobar).

The award covers relocation of utilities tied to the Highway 275 project’s Phase II work. Protzman also updated the council on the city’s water treatment plant, saying painters are finishing work and that the equipment supplier cannot be on site until February for start-up checks. JEO plans to begin plant startup after a March conference, estimating system startup in late March to early April. City Administrator Randy Woldt confirmed communications lines (phone and Sparklight) are in place for the plant.

Council discussion focused on bid comparisons and contractor performance. Council members asked whether Obrist typically bids low and whether change orders are common; Protzman said Obrist often bids competitively and is not “change order happy” but added the contractor’s superintendent turnover can mean managers oversee multiple jobs.

The council’s approval authorizes moving forward with contract award and scheduling; staff did not provide a detailed project start date at the meeting. The council did not record any abstentions or nay votes on the award.