By Kevin Boneske
Staff Writer
SUAMICO – A second salt storage shed will be constructed in the village with the use of surplus Lambeau Field stadium tax dollars.
The Suamico village board in July authorized the construction of a new shed with an 800-ton storage capacity at a cost not to exceed $235,000.
However, Village Administrator Alex Kaker informed board members last month about the six bids the village received having a low bid from Alliance Construction and Design of Wrightstown for $253,035.
“Including engineering costs, the project is now expected to cost a total of $264,435,” Kaker said.
Funding for the project includes $183,890 from this summer’s sale of 11.8 acres of village-owned property east of Interstate 41 to Ken’s Sports of Kaukauna.
Kaker said an additional $80,545 was requested from the stadium district fund to support the project.
He said it will reduce the unassigned balance in the stadium district fund to around $128,000.
Even though the lowest bid exceeded the amount board members previously approved by around 10 percent, they agreed to proceed with the project despite the extra cost.
“It’s unfortunate, but I’m still for it,” said Trustee Michelle Eckert.
Trustee Sky Van Rossum said he didn’t like the extra cost and having to use stadium tax dollars to pay for part of the project.
“On the other hand, it’s something that we need, and I don’t know what other options we have at this point,” Van Rossum said.
Trustee Dan Roddan said the village needs a second salt shed, and the project needs to be done.
“We’re planning for the future, and the future is here for this site,” Roddan said. “At the end of the day, it is what it is, unfortunately.”
Director of Public Works Andy Smits said the approximately $10,000 for engineering costs will include inspecting the project site.
“There’s some inspection, not a ton, but you don’t get a lot, neither, for $10,000 of engineering,” Smits said.
Board members unanimously backed a motion to approve the salt storage shed bid from Alliance Construction and Design at a cost not to exceed $253,035 and also passed a resolution authorizing stadium district dollars to be used for economic development purposes to help pay for the project.
Smits previously informed the board the additional 800-ton storage capacity, along with the current shed designed for 525 tons, will enable the village to have enough salt for an entire winter without having to refill the supply in the middle of the season.