Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
By Damiian Lang
Wakefield City Council members approved on Tuesday an amount not to exceed $100,000 for curb, gutter and sidewalk improvements.
The action is contingent upon Project Engineer Chris Holmes of U.P. Engineers and Architects submitting a formal change order.
In a related background report, City Manager Robert Brown Jr. said the project funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture has undergone ongoing changes since planning began in 2019.
Tuesday’s council action was in response to yet another unexpected development.
Brown said in his report that “it was discovered the final project design only included the complete replacement of the curb, gutter and sidewalk on the west side of Sunday Lake Street.”
He added, “The east side of Sunday Lake Street would see only sporadic replacements of the curb, gutter and sidewalk.”
The city manager said the council decided it was worth exploring the cost of replacing the curb, gutter and sidewalk on the east side of Sunday Lake by using general funds.
Holmes estimated related costs at $97,370.
Regarding the financial impact, Brown’s report said that, in the fiscal year ending on June 30, 2023, “the city’s unassigned fund balance was $1,001,908, an increase of $181,709 from the prior fiscal year.”
Hence, he said the general fund could supply the added project costs associated with the council’s approval.
In related news, the council also approved a change order that increases by $72,980 the cost of the contract for the same water project.
According to an agenda report by City Manager Robert Brown Jr., the total contract price now is $,860,848.
Regarding the financial impact, Brown’s report said that the Phase 1 Water Project included a contingency fund of $239,632 and that the elimination of a water line replacement on Olson Street would save about $210,000.
“Of note,” he added. “the original contract price was $2,994,958. However, he added that change order one saved the city $207,090.
Brown quoted the following engineering report in relation to the need for change order two: “This includes such things as concrete under the road, unsuitable soil conditions (which required some bedding), and some valves and fittings that will make things more efficient for the water system and water crew.”
The engineering report adds, “In the back of our mind is the removal of Olsen Road but won’t until we absolutely need to.”
Council members also:
— Approved a resolution authorizing the drawdown of $603,434.15 from the city’s obligated $3,500,000 U.S. Department of Agricultural Rural Development loan. In a related report, Brown said the drawdown will fund payments to Ruotsala Construction.
— Approved the second reading of Ordinance 194, which repeals the city’s prior prohibition of feeding deer within city limits.
— Heard a recommendation from Deputy City Treasurer Patty Sperhake to continue reminding residents of their past due status and make sure they are aware of consequences and fees associated with shut-offs. “Many are aware that we will work with them during times of hardship as long as they keep lines of communication open,” she said, noting that the city will not be charging off any unpaid utility bills this year.
— Heard a presentation on a 2022-2023 audit report that noted no issues or concerns. According to the report, the total long-term dept decreased by $150,000.00 from the prior year.
All votes were unanimous.
The council’s next regular meeting will be on June 10, and the Planning Commission will meet on June 11. Both meetings will be at 5:30 p.m. The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board will meet on June 12 at 5 p.m.
All meetings will be in the council chambers of the municipal building.
