Utility board approves nearly $977,000 contract for Boat Arch Street water and sewer repairs

The municipal utility board voted to authorize the city manager to execute a construction contract with R and O Construction LLC for water and wastewater improvements on the 1000–1300 block of Boat Arch Street and an associated 500‑block project, in an amount not to exceed $976,895.50.

Matt Leppler, who presented the item for staff, said the project was identified through the utility’s sewer‑system evaluation initiative and will replace approximately 2,000 feet of water line and 1,900 feet of wastewater line. "Staff recommends awarding the project to R and O Construction LLC in an amount not to exceed $976,895.50," Leppler said.

Leppler told the board that staff advertised the work and received 13 bids; the lowest bidder, Pattison Professional Services, was not chosen because staff judged them to have limited wastewater experience. Construction is expected to begin in December 2025 and be completed by July 2026, and Leppler said the work would be staged so residents maintain access.

Board members asked about traffic and property access during the project’s roughly 210‑day timeline. Leppler said the contractor will keep properties accessible, will post message boards and contact numbers, and will provide notification flyers in advance. In response to a question about a collapsed sewer line in the area, Leppler said he had not personally reviewed the pictures but that prior spot repairs likely kept service functioning while overall deterioration increased the project’s priority.

A motion to approve the contract was made and seconded; the Chair stated the item passed. The transcript does not record a roll‑call tally for this approval.