Mt. Prospect OKs $1.75 million in flood-related sewer work
The Mount Prospect village board stuck to the tried and true when choosing a firm to handle the construction of sewer improvements related to a 2011 record rainfall.
Trustees awarded the contract to Martam Construction of Elgin, which has done work for the village since the 1970s. Martam submitted a low bid of $1.75 million, 12.5 percent lower than the next lowest bid of $2 million and 40 percent lower than the high bid of $2.8 million.
After the flooding resulting from the record rainfall of July 23, 2011, the village commissioned a study to analyze the causes. In December 2012, the village board authorized $2.5 million in general obligation debt for improvements to village-owned sewers that were recommended in the report.
The projects covered include the Hatlen Heights stormwater and sanitary improvements, the Lonnquist stormwater and combined sewer improvements and the Lawrence Lane stormwater improvements. Improvements to the Golfview Estates storm sewers are covered by a separate bid that is expected to be presented to the board in July.
“We fully intend to complete that work later this summer,” Public Works Director Sean Dorsey told the board prior to Tuesday's vote. “These projects are designed to correct a pretty significant deficiency in the existing sewers.”
Martam has worked on village projects including sewer and water main construction, stream bank stabilization and road reconstruction. When questioned, Dorsey said he thought Martam could bid less “because he has crews working nearby” and can reuse excavated material from nearby projects, saving on disposal and transportation costs.
Village Manager Michael Janonis said he was glad the work is getting under way. “This has been part of a long road since the flood of 2011. We are doing something. We are going to try and improve situations for areas in the village.”
And Mount Prospect Mayor Arlene Juracek reminded residents of steps they can take to prevent flooding in their homes. “If you've got a sump pump, put in a battery backup,” she said.