Chelan council clears way for SR-150 sewer replacement project

CHELAN — Chelan City Council reviewed a contract award for the State Route 150 sewer main replacement project during a recent workshop, a nearly $4 million infrastructure project that will replace aging sewer and water lines along the corridor.

Public Works Director Jake Youngren told councilmembers the city opened bids for the project Feb. 25 and received two proposals.

“Low bid was J&K Earthworks LLC, with a total of $3,925,171.31, [which] represents approximately 5% below what our engineer’s estimate was,” Youngren said.

City staff reviewed the bids and found no irregularities.

“Everything seems to be in order. No irregularities found, and I would recommend award of the contract to J&K Earthworks,” Youngren said.

The project focuses primarily on sewer infrastructure but also includes replacement of parts of the city’s water infrastructure.

Youngren said the bid includes $815,842.42 for water system improvements, while the city currently has $579,876 budgeted for that portion of the work.

“This project is split into two components, a water component and a sewer component,” Youngren said.

Because of that difference, the city will need to amend its water capital fund later this year to align the budget with the final project cost.

“Ultimately we will need an amendment in our water capital fund to right-size that delta,” Youngren said.

Youngren told councilmembers the adjustment is not expected to significantly affect the city’s broader capital planning.

“I don't anticipate it being an issue, or really even needing to change our capital planning efforts,” he said.

Funding for the sewer portion of the project is already sufficient within the city’s existing budget.

Councilmember Shane Collins moved to award the contract to J&K Earthworks LLC, with Councilmember Jon Higgins seconding the motion.

The council approved the award unanimously, authorizing the mayor to finalize and execute the construction contract.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media