Cedarburg approves $2.95 million construction contract and outside inspection for 2026 street project

The Cedarburg Common Council voted Feb. 23 to award the 2026 Street and utility construction contract to Dorner Incorporated, which submitted the low bid of $2,946,977.50, and to hire outside inspection services for the project.

City Engineer Mike Weiser told the Council three bids were received and that Dorner's bid was roughly $805,000 below the engineer's estimate and about $113,000 lower than the next bidder. "Dorner has done a lot of work in the city in the past," Weiser said, and staff recommended awarding the contract; Council members noted that some unit prices came in lower than expected for items such as excavation, asphalt, and pipe.

Because the city has been unable to fill its assistant engineer/engineering technician position, staff also presented a time-and-expense proposal from Ari Smith to provide construction inspection services. Staff said the proposal totaled $136,504, with inspection billed at $112 per hour and a $180-per-hour project manager rate. The Council approved awarding the inspection contract to Ari Smith with a not-to-exceed total of $136,504 and directed staff that the contract can be suspended if the city hires a qualified internal candidate.

Council members discussed but did not pursue adding additional streets to the contract, citing the need for engineering drawings and contractual limits on increasing work without rebidding. The motions to award both the construction contract and the inspection contract carried by voice vote.

Staff said the city will coordinate with its engineering consultant and light-and-water staff as the project proceeds and will monitor budget and scope to remain within the bid constraints.