Adopting a Resolution awarding a contract to Minger Construction Company, Inc. in the amount of $3,062,640 for Sanitary Sewer Improvements West Zumbro WZ-04-1019 Phase 2- Project No. J7854.

In April 2021, the Council instructed the Development Services and Infrastructure (DSI) team to pursue the extension of sanitary sewer to serve Area 6G, also known as the West Zumbro Sewershed. The sewer extension was the first phase of a multi-phase process necessary to enable new development without causing sanitary sewer surges. The West Zumbro Sanitary Sewer Extension to Serve Sanitary Sewer Area 6G (Project No. J7773) was completed in 2023. The first downstream upsizing project - Sanitary Sewer Improvements West Zumbro WZ-02-1021 (Project No. J7849) was completed in June of 2025. The second downstream upsizing project Sanitary Sewer Improvements West Zumbro WZ-04-1019 Phase 1 (Project No. J7854) was completed this summer.

Sanitary Sewer Improvements West Zumbro WZ-04-1019 Phase 2 (Project No. J7854) is the the final project that needs to be completed before full development can occur in the lands that will use the new expansion sewer project in the West Zumbro Sewershed.

WHKS completed the design and bid documents for Sanitary Sewer Improvements West Zumbro WZ-04-1019 Phase 2 - Project No. J7854.

The project was advertised for bids on August 1,2026. The following bids were received on August 25, 2026:

1. Minger Construction Company Inc   $3,062,640
2. Geislinger & Sons, Inc                      $3,620,849.80
3. S R  Weidema, Inc                            $3,634,896.50
4. S M Hentges & Son, Inc                    $3,806,000
5. Elcor Construction, Inc                      $3,848,935
6. Meyer Contracting Inc                       $3,973,983.33
7. A-1 Excavating LLC                          $4,666,666

Engineers Estimate:                                   $1,938,313

The boring under the railroad and the required railroad services that the contractor must use was significantly higher than the engineer's estimate. The boring requires the creation of launching and receiving pits for steel casing and the construction of those pits have significantly increased in price with the specialty shoring required to support the pits and boring equipment. The existing sewer has been encroached by commercial development and the construction of the West Circle Dr Bridge. This requires the relocation of the sanitary sewer and the crossings of the railroad to complete the sewer upgrades and cannot be avoided. The sewer utility has the funds available to cover the additional costs.

The Public Works Department recommends that the Council award the project to the apparent low bidder. Construction is scheduled to start on or after September 14, 2026, and is expected to be substantially completed by June 30, 2027.

These projects are in alignment with the Council's Strategic priority of Quality Services by executing infrastructure improvements that increase sanitary sewer capacity in advance of future growth to minimize the potential for sanitary sewer surges. The growth management map amendment identifies parts of the West Zumbro Sewershed that are acceptable for near-term development. The Sanitary Sewer Master Plan identifies the sewers that need to be improved for this development in the West Zumbro Sewershed.

June 1, 2020: Council Meeting - The Sanitary Sewer Master Plan was approved.

September 20, 2021: Study Session - The growth management map amendment was presented.

November 15, 2021: Council Meeting- The growth management map amendment was approved.

June 20, 2022: Council Meeting - Contract with WHKS for design services for J7773 was approved.

April 17, 2023: Council Meeting - Contract with WHKS for design services for J7849 was approved.

April 17, 2023: Council Meeting - Contract with Elcor for the construction of J7773 was approved.

January 22, 2024: Council Meeting -Contract Amendment with WHKS for design services for J7849 was approved.

May 6, 2024: Council Meeting- Contract with Elcor for the construction of J7849 was approved.

September 9, 2024: Council Meeting- Contract with WHKS for Design Services for J7854 was approved.

June 16,2025: Council Meeting- Contract with Elcor for the construction of J7854 Phase 1 was approved.

October 6, 2025: Council Meeting- Property Acquisition for J7854 Phase 2 was approved.

March 16, 2026: Council Meeting- Contract Amendment 1 with WHKS for design services for J7854 Phase 2 was approved.

The project is part of the Sanitary Sewer Trunk Line Extension and Upsizing in the 2026-2031 Sewer and Water Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Map No. 5 and is funded by the Sewer Utility. The full project budget is $$3,981,432 with engineering, interest, and contingencies added to the $3,062,640 construction contract.

No alternative actions are suggested at this time.