Council awards refuse contract and multiple public-works bids, citing competitive bids and lower refuse fee

The Coldwater City Council on April 27 approved multiple service and construction awards, including a new refuse/recycling contract and several street and sidewalk projects.

Staff recommended awarding the city's refuse, recycling and large-item collection contract to Republic Waste Services, the incumbent and low bidder. Keith Baker said the low bid translates to a proposed resident monthly fee of $16.95 per unit, which staff said is a $2.25 reduction from the current charge; council adopted resolution 2633 to award the bid. Staff will return with the formal contract documents and the ordinance or fee adjustments necessary to reflect the change.

Public-works projects awarded the same night included:

- 2026 sidewalk-repair program (north side of US-12/West Chicago and neighborhood sections including Northshore, Arrowhead, Thompson Boulevard, Amberview Court): low bid from Parish Excavating of Quincy for $161,222; council adopted resolution 2641 to award the contract.

- Liberty Street repaving (Marshall to Grand), including stormwater and concrete work: low bid by Excel Paving (RWS & Associates) for $220,249; council approved resolution 2642 with a mid-to-late May start anticipated.

- Moore Street reconstruction (US-12 to Smith Street) including utility work, curb/gutter, stormwater and sidewalk improvements: Reith-Riley Construction submitted the low bid at $937,198.70; council adopted resolution 2648 to award the project.

Finance and public-works staff said Fishbeck reviewed and certified the bid documents and that the range among responsive bids was competitive. Tom Eldridge, in an earlier finance presentation, summarized special-revenue and enterprise fund balances used to inform capital spending plans and noted transfers and tax-capture flows that will affect street funding.

Council approved each contract by motion and voice vote; staff indicated construction windows will vary by project and that residents will be informed of timing and traffic impacts as schedules are finalized.