Ripon council authorizes up to $145,000 for 2026 asphalt patching, citing low bid from Kar Tekner

The Ripon Common Council voted to award the 2026 asphalt patching contract to the low bidder and authorized staff to expand the project up to $145,000 to capture a favorable unit price.

Public works staff explained that out of five contractors contacted, three submitted bids and Kar Tekner Brothers offered the lowest, substantially lower than the next bidder. "Kar Tekner gave a very advantageous bid, less than half of the next closest bidder," a public works representative said, describing outreach to the contractor to confirm similar pricing for additional scope.

Council and staff discussed the proposed scope increase and budget implications. Staff said the city had budgeted about $70,000 for a Washington Street storm-sewer repair but planned to defer that work and use existing budget authority to expand patching while favorable rates were available. The public works representative said the contractor anticipated starting in July and that, once started, crews would work through the scope in an estimated two- to three-week continuous period.

Councilmembers raised quality-control questions; staff acknowledged recent quality issues on specific streets had been identified and said the contractor has been cooperative and corrective actions are underway. Councilmember Ellen Dretske moved to award the contract and authorize up to $145,000; the motion passed by voice vote.

The authorization allows staff to assign additional pavement-preservation work to the selected contractor within the $145,000 limit and to defer certain other scheduled work to future years if necessary.