Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Marina Docks topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Kewaunee council approves five‑year plan to buy and install used floating docks, caps commitment
Summary
The Kewaunee Common Council approved a five‑year plan to acquire and install used floating docks from Reef Point Marina, authorizing staff to proceed with a proposal that lists a not‑to‑exceed dock-and-refurbish cost of $936,603.30 while staff will return with financing and installation details.
The City of Kewaunee authorized a five‑year plan to acquire used floating docks from Reef Point Marina and to replace marina docks incrementally, approving a staff motion that set a not‑to‑exceed figure for the dock acquisition and refurbishment.
Public works staff told council the marina’s current docks are near or past their replacement point and that the Reef Point used floating‑pier system would reduce in‑water steel corrosion because the piers float on flotation units rather than sit in the water. Staff presented two pricing options: replacement with refurbishment of all docks (the larger option) and a phased approach focused on docks D and E first. The proposal locked the dock component at the current quoted prices if the city commits to the five‑year plan, with a full replace-and-refurbish estimate listed as $936,603.30.
Why it matters: Council members said the move could keep the marina operational and reduce long‑term maintenance costs, but they stressed it creates a multiyear commitment that requires financing, electrical and plumbing work, and likely dredging to support full use of replaced slips.
Council discussion centered on scope, costs and logistics. Staff noted pedestal electrical infrastructure is not included in the quoted dock prices and estimated about $1,600 per pedestal (roughly $80,000 for 100 slips) plus separate installation and plumbing work. Council members asked for clarification of line items and delivery/installation charges after members observed apparent inconsistencies in the five‑year plan spreadsheet and the single‑job estimates. One councilor said: "I just want the council to understand what they're gonna be on the hook for and what the dollars are gonna look like." (Committee member)
Councilors also discussed dredging: staff said water levels and shoaling mean some slips are currently unusable and that dredging (hydraulic or mechanical) could cost in the hundreds of thousands—estimates cited in the discussion included a ballpark $480,000 figure for more extensive dredging depending on the target depth. Councilors urged staff to pair procurement and dredging planning and to identify funding sources, including the city’s capital improvement fund (noted as just under $130,000 at the time of the meeting) and existing borrowing.
Council action: On a motion to approve the five‑year acquisition and replacement plan with a not‑to‑exceed dock/refurbish commitment of $936,603.30 and direction that staff return with clarified pricing and financing details, the council voted in favor and the motion carried.
What’s next: Staff will obtain clarifications from the vendor on which costs include removal, delivery, decking replacement and refurbishment, provide a clearer installation price breakdown (including pedestals, electrical and plumbing), and return to council with financing options and a firm schedule for phased installation.
