NE Iowa News

The Cresco City Council discussed a contract for downtown sidewalk reconstruction during a meeting held on April 17.

The Council held a public hearing and a vote on a contract for services to be performed for their downtown sidewalk projects. While no residents voiced any opinions or concerns during the hearing or mailed any written communication regarding the project, the Council still took pains to consider all aspects of both the contract and the work itself. The considered bids were for a project on Elm Street between First Avenue and Third Avenue. Cresco's engineers estimate that the project will cost $711,815. However, the only bid that the Council received, which came from Wick's Construction, was valued at $1,152,623.

City Engineer Scott Huenke, who served as an advisor for the project, shared that he and his team had tried to facilitate more options for the city but ultimately failed.

“Other bidders were talked to and expressed interest in the project, but in the end, only one bid was received," Huenke said. "Because there's only one bid received, we really can't compare that to the going rate of any of the costs. However, we do feel this bid was high.”

Huenke informed the Council that he had found some small items that could be removed from the contract in an effort to reduce the cost. However, most of the expenses were attached to the concrete, which couldn't be removed.

"So our recommendation for the City Council is to discuss the submitted bid from Wick's Construction as they were the only bidder," Huenke said. "The City Council may delay their decision until they receive the Seventh Street project. The Council does have until May 6 before the bid bond for Wick's Construction expires. So you have until that day to act on the project."

The Council debated the project, which appeared to cost nearly double what they had expected. Both Huenke and the Council agreed that the price was related to the increased cost of concrete set to go into effect before July. Councilmember Amy Bouska hesitated to accept the bid, especially since she hadn't seen the bids for the Seventh St. project and was worried that the Council would have to choose between the two of them. Ultimately, the Council approved moving forward with the project, with Bouska as the only "no" vote. The project will be undertaken with consideration for building and store access and will be completed in five phases, with each one spanning approximately three weeks.