Boyceville’s Safe Route to School construction bids 25% over estimate

BOYCEVILLE — A project that has been in the works for almost five years came to an uncertain conclusion at Monday night’s Village Board meeting when the board learned that the bids for the Safe Route to School project came in at about $75,000 over the estimate.

Erik Evenson, of the Rice Lake firm of MSA presented the board with the results of the bid opening for the project. Evenson said that they received two bids, the low bid from Chippewa Concrete Services in the amount of $245,116.50 and a second bid from Pember Companies out of Menomonie for $270,208.00.

The project includes new sidewalks and two railroad crossings in the village from the village area south of Highway 170 which will allow school children a safer path to walk to school. The engineer’s original estimate for the project was $175,000. Evenson noted that the village had received a $228,000 grant for the project, but he said that about $50,000 of that would go to the railroad for their work on improvements on their property.

Evenson recommended to the village board that they take no action on the project at this time to allow him to explore some other options including reducing the scope of the project to get it within the budget and to talk to the State Department of Transportation about the project. The board agreed to wait for more information.

On a related note, Harry Joles appeared before the board about the Safe Route to School project and indicated that he wished he had more information about the project earlier. Joles is the owner of a couple parcels along the proposed route of the project and he noted that his property would be getting some 200 feet of new sidewalk. He questioned the board about who was going to be responsible for the shoveling the walk in the winner. He said that one of renters received a $125.00 fine for not shoveling the walk in a timely matter.

Village President Gib Krueger stated: … “We are counting on the property owners to step up to the plate and shovel snow.” Joles concluded with the comment, “You guys could come with a sweeper on a tractor to clear the sidewalks and not put this on the backs of six or seven residents.”

Police Report

During his report to the board, Police Chief Greg Lamkin said that they were conducting officer interviews and had begun background investigations and the department has applied for a facility assessment grant and that they are ready for the Pickle Fest and the start of school.

Lamkin was questioned about the theft of copper from the airport and stated he had contacted local salvage yards about anyone trying to sell it, but had no leads. He also noted he is working with the Secret Service over an apparent bank fraud case in the village and noted that they had a subject identified.

In other action the board approved to participate in the 2022 Highway 170 resurfacing project. According to Don Rose the state will pay for the new surface in the driving lane and drainage of storm water, but the village will be responsible for coverage outside of the driving lanes.

The board then went into closed session to discuss a part time police officer.