HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - Council Action Form dated June 23, 2026ITEM #:38
DATE:06-23-26
DEPT:ELEC
SUBJECT:69KV TRANSMISSION LINE RECONSTRUCTION FROM TOP O HOLLOW
SUBSTATION TO AMES PLANT SUBSTATION
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
Electric Services is undertaking a multi-year process t o reconstruct portions of its aging 69kV
transmissi o n s y s t e m . This portion o f the project will replace approximately two miles of
transmission line. This is the second of four reconstruction phases. The first phase,
reconstructing lines between Mortensen Road and Vet Med substations, has been completed
in the current fiscal year; this second phase will be completed in FY 2026/27.T h e attached
map indicates the location of the first two reconstruction phases of the project.
O n January 2 3 , 2024, City Council awarded a contract to D G R Engineering of R o c k Rapids,
Iowa to design this project. DGR will also provide ongoing construction management support.
On April 28, 2026, City Council approved preliminary plans and specifications for the 69kV
Transmission Line Reconstruction from Top-O-Hollow to Ames Plant substation project. An
Invitation to Bid was advertised on the Current Bid Opportunities section of the Purchasing
webpage and a Legal Notice was published on the websites of a contractor plan room service
with statewide circulation. On June 9, 2026, seven bids were received as shown below.
BIDDER TOTAL COST
Engineer's Estimate $3,700,000.00
Watts Electric Company
Waverly, NE $3,356,570.41
Altitude Energy
Rock Rapids, IA $3,810,000.00
The L.E. Myers Co.
Marshalltown, IA $3,999,308.39
IES Commercial Inc.
Holdrege, NE $4,073,485.30
Michels Power
Neenah, WI $4,619,902.24
Ward Electric Company LLC
Longmont, CO $5,435,458.80
The Hydaker-Wheatlake
Company
Reed City, MI
$5,886,185.00
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Staff reviewed the bids and determined that the low bid from Watts Electric Company, of
Waverly, NE, is acceptable. Funding for this project will come from the Capital Improvement
Project budget for 69kV Transmission Reconstruction, which includes $4,700,000 for FY
2026/27 for this portion of the project.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Proceed with the project by:
a. Accepting report of bids
b. Approving final plans and specifications and awarding a contract to Watts Electric
Company, of Waverly, NE, in the amount of $3,356,570.41
2. Do not proceed with the project at this time.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The 69kV transmission system located around the City is crucial to maintaining a
reliable electric grid for the City's Electric Service customers. Staff has completed the
first of four phases (Mortensen to Vet Med) to reconstruct the aging 69kV transmission
system and would like to proceed with phase two (Top O Hollow to Ames Plant) to
ensure the entire 69kV system is replaced within a timely manner and remains reliable.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative
No. 1, as stated above.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Map for CAF 69kv Reconstruction.jpeg
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