Utility commission approves Well 2 contract, awards low bid to Findorff

The Village of Cottage Grove Utility Commission voted to award the Well 2 facility contract to the low bidder, Findorff, after receiving staff recommendations and bid results at its Jan. 14 meeting.

Speaker 3 presented the bid summary, saying five prime contractors submitted bids that clustered within roughly $150,000–$200,000 of one another and that the Public Service Commission–approved project amount is $2,265,000. "Findorff being the low bidder at $1,497,900," Speaker 3 said, and staff noted about an 8% contingency would remain before exceeding the budget.

Speaker 2 moved to accept the low bid as presented; Speaker 1 seconded and the motion passed by voice vote. The commission’s packet included a memo with line-item costs and anticipated soft costs such as construction engineering and PSC-related items.

Staff told the commission they had checked references with a neighboring community where Findorff served as prime contractor and reported positive experience. There was no formal amendment or alternate motion; the action was recorded as an award to the low, responsible bidder.

The commission also approved routine meeting business during the same session, including approval of the Dec. 10, 2025 minutes and vouchers by voice vote. Staff said the Findorff contract award will be finalized in project documents and further details will appear in the next packet if change orders or contingencies become necessary.

The commission did not set an implementation date during the meeting; staff will follow standard contracting procedures to finalize the contract and report back if any unforeseen changes occur.