Jared Schmeltzer
Reporter
As part of their regular meeting on Tuesday, March 10, the Merrill Common Council approved a bid of $1,361,454.10 from Ironwood,MI-based Jakes Excavating & Landscaping LLC, to complete road work on Grand Avenue, North Prospect Street and South Genesee Street.
Following the introduction of the street project, District 5 alderman John Van Leishout would motion to approve the bid, seconded by District 1 alderman Paul Russell. During discussion of the project, Public Works Director Rod Akey explained that the project is more expensive than he originally predicted.
“Originally we were going to try and salvage some of the sewer systems, however after further investigation we decided we have to replace them,” said Akey.
“I don’t mean to make excuses,” Akey added.
“My original estimate was low. Asphalt was up five dollars a ton and we did increase the scope of the project, so we didn’t get bids as low as I was hoping. I would suggest going with Jakes Excavating. They did some work for us last year and we didn’t have any issues, they did acceptable work.”
District 2 alderman Steve Hass suggested a revision to the original motion, which includes pushing back road work on Poplar Street and Court Street until 2021. Akey would then inform the council that road work on Mill Street can also be held off for a different year.
“(Street Superintendent) Dustin Bonack and I recently checked out Mill Street and I believe that road will be good for another 10 years,” explained Akey. “That piece of concrete is pretty good yet. There may need to be some patches in the next few years, but as far as the surface goes it should be in good shape for another 10 years.”
The motion was amended to include the postponing of work on Poplar Street and Court Street and the motion would pass unanimously.
According to Akey, work is expected to start on the project(s) by June 1 and should be completed by mid-August. The project(s) consist of replacing sanitary sewers, water systems, storm sewers, curbs, gutters and street lights, as well as the removal and replacement of pavement. Akey also explained that the work on Grand Avenue will begin at North State Street and end at Parkway Drive; work on North Prospect Street will be from West Main Street to Grand Avenue; and South Genesee Street work will start on Stange Street and end at West Main Street.