By Dave Fidlin
Correspondent
The City of Whitewater’s aging wastewater treatment facility is in the midst of a major overhaul, and several small-scale twists and turns have taken place since the heavy lifting got underway last year.
Tim Reel, wastewater utility superintendent, came before the Common Council on March 7 and provided an update on the improvements to the facility, which has been operating on infrastructure well beyond its life expectancy.
As part of his update, Reel indicated there are seven new line item expenses related to the project, totaling $13,971. The items range from building modifications to comply with state codes to tweaks needed for a boiler system.
City officials expected add-on expenses from the get-go. A contingency fund was built into the overall budget because of the sheer scope of the project. After the latest items are taken into account, Reel said the contingency fund still carries a balance of $1.13 million.
As for the project itself, Reel said it is progressing and on target with initial expectations.
“The wastewater utility biological upgrade continues on schedule with steady progress from all trades,” Reel said. “Construction-related clarifications and modifications have occurred, resulting in the additional costs.”
In other recent business, the Common Council finalized plans to rezone all or portions of 10 separate residential properties to pave the way for a new 64-unit apartment complex. The council approved a second, and final, reading of the rezoning plans.
Property management firm DLK Enterprises is spearheading the project.
DLK’s plans include completely removing five existing homes, located at 1025, 1031 and 1041-43 W. Starin Road and 240 N. Prince St. to accommodate the new apartment complex. A vacant parcel on Starin Road is also included in the plans.
The council also approved the purchase of a new police vehicle — a Ford Interceptor — for $28,100. Oconomowoc-based Ewald Automotive is supplying the vehicle.
