Wisconsin firms get $3M for NSSD projects

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Updated: March 14, 2012 1:49AM

GURNEE — The North Shore Sanitary District approved nearly $3 million Wednesday to carry out two major scum system modification contracts.

However, NSSD President Dan Pierce of Highland Park pointed out that both projects are going to two Wisconsin firms.

“Why can’t we provide more of our business to Illinois firms?” Pierce asked General Manager Brian Dorn during discussion.

Dorn explained that one contract with Donohue & Associates, Inc., of Sheboygan, Wis., was a professional no-bid contract amending specialized systems engineering and consulting services at the district’s three sanitary treatment plants in Highland Park, Gurnee and Waukegan.

The project with Donohue for a “not to exceed” additional $287,228 is to repair and replace equipment that is more than 40 years old, Dorn indicated.

He said the engineering and consulting company that specializes in wastewater management has done many jobs for the District very proficiently over the years and is experienced in the District’s unique operatons.

The other contract, awarded to Rawson Contractors, of Sussex, Wis., was in the amount of $2,656,000. This was a bidded contract for scheduled construction work at each of the three sanitary treatment plants.

Jai Gupta, the district’s director of engineering, said there were seven bidders, some from Illinois, and Rawson Construction was the low bidder. The bids were opened Dec. 6 at the NSSD office.

Donohue & Associates, as the district’s customary consultant, recommended the project be awarded to Rawson Construction following its review and that the company met all required qualifications. NSSD trustees approved the work for both projects unanimously.

The total amount estimated overall for completing the two projects was budgeted for $3.4 million and contained in the district’s current capital improvement plan.