By SARAH PARKER | County Line Editor
In tandem with national trends, the Village of Kendall likely will encounter high construction costs when it asks for bids for its municipal well reconstruction project in early 2022.
Earlier this year, bids came in 35–40 percent over the $1.5 million construction budget estimate, so the board agreed to rebid the project. Since then, the board has revised the bid, bringing the cost down by about $120,000 to $150,000.
But it’s possible the cost will spike back upward “due to supply chain issues and cost of materials, labor and fuel going up with inflation,” Andy Zimmer of MSA Professional Services, the village’s engineering firm, told the County Line on Tuesday.
Supply-chain issues likely will result in a more drawn-out construction timeline, as certain electronic components have been more difficult to obtain. The completion deadline now is Oct. 31, 2023.
The project will consist of demolition of the existing No. 2 wellhouse and adjacent former creamery foundation. Also, the well casing will be raised above flood elevation and the site filled and graded for the construction of a new wellhouse. The new pump discharge piping will be connected to the water system with a new water main connection near the bike trail and in South Railroad Street/Highway 71.
Moreover, the project includes building and electrical improvements at wellhouse No. 4.
Other business
• The village caucus will be at 5 p.m. Monday, Jan. 10.
• The board reviewed an engagement letter from its auditing firm, Engelson and Associates, but postponed any decision on the matter, as the letter did not include a fee estimate.
• The village will continue to develop a job description for its building zoning inspector, who the village plans to give the authority to write citations for accumulation of junk and similar ordinance violations.
• The village may form an ad hoc committee to raise funds for Kendall Community Hall roof replacement, a project that may cost between $50,000 and $70,000. The roof was last replaced in the early 1980s. The committee likely will include Pete Thorson, a Kendall native whose uncle, Terry Sheridan, spearheaded extensive restoration efforts at the Kendall Community Hall about 15 years ago.