Fort Atkinson council approves street, utility and equipment contracts; staff reports hires and community events

Fort Atkinson — At its July 7 meeting the Fort Atkinson City Council approved a series of construction, utility and equipment contracts and heard routine staff reports about hiring and community events.

South Main pedestrian path: Director of Public Works Nathan (S11) said contractors discovered storm sewer installed too shallow for the pedestrian path; correcting the issue requires 771 feet of storm sewer and new manholes. Nathan said the overall storm-sewer work is estimated at $174,844.79 but that the net change order for the city is $22,238.21 to be charged to the stormwater utility fund and fund 5 (transportation). “MSA and city staff agreed that now it’s time to correct the issue and move the section of storm sewer into the curb line,” Nathan told the council. The council approved the change order by voice vote.

Water main relocation: Nathan reported a 102-year-old water main that passes through a sewer manhole was identified in DNR inspections and has a compliance deadline of Nov. 30, 2026. Staff recommended awarding the relocation contract to Forest Construction for $17,800, to be paid from the water utility fund; council approved the award.

Wastewater plant equipment: Wastewater Superintendent Sweeney (S6) reviewed multiple purchases funded from the $1.5 million the city borrowed in 2024 (originally for a solar project). The council approved replacement of a harvester pump and backup feed pump (total not to exceed $98,810.76) and separately approved replacement of five activated-sludge pumps, two digested-sludge pumps and two variable-frequency drives for a combined project cost not to exceed $253,727.24, all to be paid from wastewater utility CIP funds. Sweeney said the pump equipment vendors are limited for the selected pump type and noted staff had sought multiple bids for installation.

Building security and fire-truck repair: Parks and Recreation Director Ben Dayton (S12) recommended a municipal building door-access system from Ignitec for $10,570.34 (no recurring fees) using CIP borrowed funds; council approved. Fire Chief Peterson (S3) presented a repair estimate for aerial platform truck 8177 reduced to $16,784.41 after staff sourcing alternate components; council approved repairs with funding from the fire truck maintenance account.

Other items: City Manager Hausman (S7) reported ongoing hiring (water utility superintendent interviews, parks and recreation openings), promotions and several community events, including a groundbreaking in the Clement Business Park and the city’s July 4 ice cream social attendance figures. Resident John House (S5) spoke during public comment about salvaging the downtown clock and solicited volunteer help.

Votes at a glance: - Consent agenda (items 4a–4g): approved by voice vote. - TID 9 territory amendment (item 8a): approved by voice vote. - Creation of TID 11 (item 8b): approved by voice vote. - South Main Street change order (item 11a): approved; net cost to city $22,238.21 (stormwater utility and Fund 5). - Riverside Drive water-main relocation (item 11b): contract awarded to Forest Construction, $17,800 (water utility fund). - Trail access to wastewater outfall (item 11c): contract awarded to Nature’s Call Land Clearing, $12,000 (wastewater CIP). - Harvester and backup feed pump replacement (item 11d): approved, not to exceed $98,810.76 (wastewater CIP). - Activated sludge and digested sludge pumps plus VFDs (item 11e): approved, not to exceed $253,727.24 (wastewater CIP). - Municipal building door access system (item 11f): approved, Ignitec $10,570.34 (2026 CIP borrowed funds). - Fire truck 8177 repairs (item 11g): approved, Renard Fire Equipment $16,784.41 (fire truck maintenance account).

Funding notes: Staff specified sources for each purchase on the record (stormwater utility, fund 5 transportation, water utility fund, wastewater CIP, municipal CIP borrowed funds and the fire truck maintenance account). Where bids were close or installations varied, staff said contractor workload and timing affected proposals.

Next steps: Several items require no further immediate council action beyond contract administration. TID matters will return to the joint review board July 27; any specific infrastructure projects proposed within the TIDs will require separate approvals.