By Dave Fidlin
Correspondent
After sending out a request for bids, Whitewater officials have moved forward and selected a contractor for an upcoming spring road reconstruction project on all or portions of Boone, Center and Summit streets.
With a backing by Assistant City Manager Chris McDonell, the Common Council on Feb. 18 awarded a contract to Lake Mills-based Forest Landscaping and Construction for the project. The company, which provided a $1.48 million quote, was the lowest of four bidders.
The other bidders’ prices ranged from $1.59 million to $1.87 million.
In addition to McDonell’s favorable recommendation, the council received a strong reference from Strand Associates, the Madison-based engineering firm that had a role in planning and designing the project.
“Strand Associates Inc. has worked with Forest Landscaping and Construction on projects,” Mark Fisher, an engineer with the company, wrote in a letter. “Based on our previous experience with this contractor, we have found (them) to be responsible.”
Other council business
In other business, Feb. 18, the Common Council:
- Adopted a resolution to acquire an easement on right-of-way property along portions of Ann Street. The work is related to an upcoming detention basin project;
- Officially approved a series of changes to the municipal zoning ordinance. The council held a first reading of the ordinance changes in early February. The second reading on Feb. 18 consummated the changes.
The latest round of changes are aimed at clarifying various definitions throughout the document, including those related to stormwater management, residential zoning provisions and the oft-discussed parking issues;
- Approved changes o the composition of the board overseeing the Whitewater Aquatic Center after a second, and final, reading.
The purview of the Parks and Recreation Board is being expanded next year to include the Whitewater Aquatic Center. Currently, an independent group handles policy and management decisions concerning WAC.
