North Schmitt Island Collection System Project - Contract #2 Award Copyrighted
June 15, 2026
City of Dubuque ACTION ITEMS # 3.
City Council
ITEM TITLE: North Schmitt Island Collection System Project - Contract #2
Awa rd
SUMMARY: City Manager recommending awarding the Public
Improvement Construction Contract for the North Schmitt
Island Collection System Project— Contract#2 to Tschiggfrie
Excavating Co. in the amount of$225,133.80, which is 45%
above the estimate of probable cost.
RESOLUTION Awarding Public Improvement Contract for the
North Schmitt Island Collection System Project— Contract #2
Project
SUGGUESTED Receive and File; Adopt Resolution(s)
DISPOSITION:
ATTAC H M ENTS:
1. MVM Memo North Schmitt Island Collection System Project— Contract#2 Award
Public Improvement Contract
2. 2026-06-08 SchmittlslandSan-Contract2-AwardMemo
3. SchmittlslandSan-Contract2 - Council Award Resolution
4. Schmitt Island Sanitary-Contract #2 - Bid Tab
Page 1543 of 1594
Dubuque
THE CITY QF �
All•li�eriea Ciry
DLT B E ��, . �
�� � �
MaSt� Z�C� alZ t�Q Mt55ZSSZ Z zoa�•zoiz•zai3
�' pp zai�*zaig
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: North Schmitt Island Collection System Project— Contract #2
Award Public Improvement Contract
Project No. 5581500049
DATE: June 10, 2026
City Engineer Gus Psihoyos is recommending City Council adopt the resolution
awarding the Public Improvement Construction Contract for the North Schmitt Island
Collection System Project— Contract #2 to Tschiggfrie Excavating Co. in the amount of
$225,133.80, which is 45% above the estimate of probable cost.
I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council
approval.
�
Mic ael C. Van Milligen
MCVM:sv
Attachment
cc: Crenna Brumwell, City Attorney
Cori Burbach, Assistant City Manager
Gus Psihoyos, City Engineer
Jenny Larson, Chief Financial Officer
Laura Bendorf, Budget Manager
Bob Schiesl, Assistant City Engineer
Nathan Steffen, Civil Engineer
Todd Irwin, Water Resources Project Supervisor
Page 1544 of 1594
Dubuque
THE CITY OF �
All•p�eriea Ci$
Du B E �����av���M��
tll � �mr
M�ste iece on the Mississi Z 2007�2012*2013
� pp zoi�*2ois
TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
FROM: Gus Psihoyos, City Engineer
DATE: June 9, 2026
SUBJECT: North Schmitt Island Collection System Project— Contract #2
Award Public Improvement Contract
Project No. 5581500049
INTRODUCTION
The attached resolution authorizes the award of the public improvement contract for the
North Schmitt Island Collection System Project— Contract #2 Project.
BACKGROUND
The City of Dubuque in conjunction with the Dubuque Racing Association (DRA) and
community participants have worked diligently for years to procure a Chaplain Schmitt
Island Master Plan and Schmitt Island Placemaking & Implementation Plan. The goals
of the plan were largely recreationally focused and included connecting and expanding
access to the riverfront, creation of educational opportunities on the island, highlighting
the unique characteristics of the island, bringing new visitors to the island, and offering
activities and events for all seasons. The City is currently working with the DRA to
update the Chaplain Schmitt Island Master Plan to further pursue these goals.
With the additional anticipated developments, City Staff have investigated the public
infrastructure on the Island to identify any major defects or deficiencies and to confirm
there is adequate capacity to accommodate the anticipated developments. Staff have
identified deficiencies within the existing sanitary sewer system, specifically for the
sewer that serves the northern half of the Island. Deficiencies identified include
measured excessive inflow and infiltration, pipeline sags and reversed slope failures
caused by unsuitable subbase materials and limited available capacity of critical sewer
assets that serve the Island.
On May 7, 2024, the City advertised a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to retain a
professional service consultant to aid the City in further evaluating the existing collection
and pumping systems that transport sanitary sewage in the Dog Track Lift Station sewer
service area, develop a facility plan with phased improvements to address identified
high risk infrastructure within the sewer service area, and to design and construct the
recommended improvements.
Due to the complexity of this project, it was determined that the project will be split into
Page 1545 of 1594
multiple task orders, with the initial task order encompassing data collection,
alternatives analysis, and the stakeholder engagement process. Results of the initial
task order will determine the additional design and construction related task orders
required to complete the project. On December 18, 2024, the City entered into the
second task order for the detailed design and bidding services phase of the project.
In August of 2025, the City completed the North Schmitt Island Collection System
Project — Contract #1. This project provided for the installation of approximately 200 LF
of sanitary sewer, in the area located immediately adjacent to the Key Hotel Expansion
Project on the north half of Chaplain Schmitt Island.
The second task order for the design of the project is ongoing; however, the overall
project construction has been postponed due to new feedback from island stakeholders.
The requested design changes are substantial and prevent the project from meeting its
original construction schedule and budget. As reflected in the FY 2027 budget,
construction funding for the full project has been shifted to FY 2031 and the project is
now planned to be funded with State Revolving Fund (SRF) financing. In the interim, the
City will continue enhanced monitoring and maintenance efforts to ensure reliable
service until the redesigned system is constructed.
DISCUSSION
The existing lift station on the east side of Q Casino currently serves the Island Social
kitchen, the campground, and the amphitheater. This lift station has experienced
operation and reliability issues. Although its replacement was originally included in the
overall project, the revised construction schedule and the lift station's current condition
require that it be bid as a stand-alone project.
The lift station replacement was bid as the North Schmitt Island Collection System
Project — Contract #2. This project includes installation of a new lift station and
approximately 100 linear feet of sanitary sewer force main located between the casino
and amphitheater. The project schedule is structured to allow the contractor to complete
most of the work this summer during a two-week period when no amphitheater concerts
are planned.
BID RESULTS
The City received sealed bids on June 4, 2026, for the North Schmitt Island Collection
System Project — Contract #2. Tschiggfrie Excavating Co. submitted the low bid in the
amount of $225,133.80, which is 45% above the estimate of probable cost. The higher-
than-expected bid amounts suggest that the original estimate may not have fully
captured the level of effort, staffing, and coordination required—particularly given the
need for the lift station to be installed and operational within a two-week window at the
end of July. This condensed timeline typically results in increased labor, equipment, and
scheduling costs. A summary of the bid proposals received is as follows:
2
Page 1546 of 1594
Contractor Name Bid Amount
Tschiggfrie Excavating Co. $ 225,133.80
Portzen Construction $ 243,956.00
RECOMMENDATION
I recommend that the public improvement contract for the North Schmitt Island
Collection System Project — Contract #2, be awarded to Tschiggfrie Excavating Co. of
Dubuque, IA in the amount of$225,133.80
BUDGET IMPACT
The estimate of probable cost for the North Schmitt Island Collection System Project —
Contract #2 is summarized as follows:
Descri tion Estimate
Construction $ 225,133.80
Contin enc 23,250.00
En ineerin Desi n and Administration 35,000.00
Total Project Cost $ 283.383.80
The construction of the North Schmitt Island Collection System Project — Contract #2
will be covered by the funding sources as described below:
North Schmitt Island Collection System Project— Contract #1 Funding
5581500049 Schmitt Island Sanitary Improvement � 2g3,383.80
(sanitary sewer construction funds)
Total Project Funding $ 283,383.80
ACTION TO BE TAKEN
I respectfully request that the City Council award the Public Improvement Construction
Contract for the North Schmitt Island Collection System Project — Contract #2 to
Tschiggfrie Excavating Co. in the amount of $225,133.80 through adoption of the
attached resolution.
cc: Jenny Larson, Chief Financial Officer
Laura Bendorf, Budget Manager
Bob Schiesl, Assistant City Engineer
Nathan Steffen, Civil Engineer
Todd Irwin, Water Resources Project Supervisor
3
Page 1547 of 1594
Prepared by Kerry Bradley,City of Dubuque Engineering,50 W. 13th St. Dubuque,IA 52001 (563)589-4270
Return to Adrienne N.Breitfelder City Clerk City of Dubuque,50 W. 13th St.Dubuque, IA 52001 (563)589-4100
RESOLUTION NO. 255-26
AWARDING PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT CONTRACT FOR THE NORTH SCHMITT
ISLAND COLLECTION SYSTEM PROJECT — CONTRACT#2 PROJECT
Whereas, sealed proposals have been submitted by contractors for the North
Schmitt Island Collection System Project — Contract#2 Project, (the Project) pursuant to
Resolution No. 248-25 and Notice to Bidders published on the City of Dubuque, Iowa
website and plan room service with statewide circulation on the 21st day of May 2026;
and
Whereas, said sealed proposals were opened and read on the 4th day of June
2026 and it has been determined that Tschiggfrie Excavating of Dubuque, Iowa, in the
bid amount of$225,133.80, is the lowest responsive, responsible bidder for the Project.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DUBUQUE, IOWA:
That a Public Improvement Contract for the Project is hereby awarded to
Tschiggfrie Excavating and the City Manager is hereby directed to execute a Public
Improvement Contract on behalf of the City of Dubuque for the Project.
Passed, approved, and adopted this 15th day of June 2026.
B -M. vanagh, Mayor
Attest:
Trish L. Gleason, Assistant City Clerk
THE CITY OF
Du8 E
Mnsfcrpiere on the Mississippi
City of Dubuque,lowa
Bid Tabulation
ProjectTitle: NORTH SCHMITT ISLAND COLLECTION SYSTEM PROJECT- aitl oate Engineer's Estimate Tschiggfrie Excavating Co. Portzen Construction
CONTRACT#2 4-Jun-26
NOE RNUMBER E BI�REM DESCRIPTION Q�AN NTy �N�T ESTI PRICE UNIT TaTAL PRICE UNIT PRICE TaTAL PRICE UNIT PRICE TaTAL PRICE
Division 2010-Earihwork,Subgrade,and Subbase
1 2010-108-C-0 Clearing and Grubbing C 1 LS $ 1,000.00 $ 1,000.00 $ 1,900.00 $ 1,900.00 $ 2,500.00 $ 2,500.00
2 2010-108-D-3 Topsoil,Off-site 18 CY $ 50.00 $ 900.00 $ 50.00 $ 900.00 $ 70.00 $ 1,260.00
Su6Total $ 1,900.00 Su6Total $ 2,800.00 Su6Total $ 3,760.00
Division 2020-Contaminated Soil and Groundwater Handling
3 2020-108-GO Dewatering,Lowering Groundwater Levels 3 Days $ 500.00 $ 1,500.00 $ 3,800.00 $ 11,400.00 $ 6,000.00 $ 18,000.00
Su6Total $ 1,500.00 Su6Total $ 11,400.00 SubTotal $ 18,000.00
Division 3010-Trench Excavation and Backfill
4 3010-108-A-4 Class I,Bedding Material.1"Commercial Clean Slone 35 TON $ 28.00 $ 980.00 $ 29.00 $ 1,015.00 $ 65.00 $ 2,275.00
5 3010-108-D-0 Replacement of Unsuitable Backfll Material,Gr 32,(Modifled Subbase Pile) 150 TON $ 28.00 $ 4 200.00 $ 40.00 $ 6,000.00 $ 60.00 $ 9,000.00
SubTotal $ 5,180.00 Su6Total $ 7,015.00 Su6Total $ 11,275.00
Division 4010-Sanitary Sewers
fi 4010-108-C-1 Sanitery Sewer Force Main.Trenched,1 1/4"HDPE(IPS) 30 LF $ 65.00 $ 1,950.00 $ 56.00 $ 1,680.00 $ 95.00 $ 2,850.00
7 4010-108-C-1 Sanitery Sewer Force Main.Trenched,2"HDPE(IPS) fi0 LF $ 55.00 $ 3,300.00 $ 67.00 $ 4,020.00 $ 100.00 $ 6,000.00
8 4010-108-C-1 Sanitery Sewer Force Main.Trenched,3"HDPE(IPS) 100 LF $ 65.00 $ 6,500.00 $ 69.00 $ 6,900.00 $ 115.00 $ 11,500.00
9 4010-108-E-1 Sanitary5ewer5erviceSWb,Trenched.4"PVCSDR26 28 LF $ 65.00 $ 1,820.00 $ 69.00 $ 1,93200 $ 130.00 $ 3,640.00
10 4010-108-E-1 Sanitary5ewer5erviceSWb,Trenched.fi"PVCSDR26 15 LF $ 80.00 $ 1,200.00 $ 74.00 $ 1,110.00 $ 135.00 $ 2,025.00
11 aoio-ioa-o-o Sani�ary Sewer Service SWb,Force Main,Curb Slop w/Box 4 EA $ 500.00 $ 2,000.00 $ 1,500.00 $ 6,000.00 $ 2,200.00 $ 8,800.00
12 4010-108-P-0 Sanitary Sewer Service Stub,Force Main,E-One Pump System 2 EA $ 39,600.00 $ 79,200.00 $ 40,700.00 $ 81,400.00 $ 29,000.00 $ 58,000.00
SubTotal $ 95,970.00 Su6Total $ 103,042.00 Su6Total $ 92,815.00
Division 4020-Storm Sewers
13 4020-108-D-0 Removal of Storm Sewer 20 LF $ 5.00 $ 100.00 $ 35.00 $ 700.00 $ 45.00 $ 900.00
Sub Total $ 100.00 Su6 Total $ 700.00 Su6 Total $ 900.00
Division 7010-Portland Cement Concrete Pavement
14 7010-108-E-0 Curb and Guner,30"(Width),6"(Thlckness) 40 LF $ 45.00 $ 1,800.00 $ 49.00 $ 1,960.00 $ 65.00 $ 2,600.00
Sub Total $ 1,800.00 Su6 Total $ 1,960.00 Su6 Total $ 2,600.00
Division 7020-Hot Min Asphalt Pavement
15 7020-108-A-0 HMAPavemenibyTon 15 TON $ 140.00 $ 2,100.00 $ 250.00 $ 3,750.00 $ 350.00 $ 5,250.00
SubTotal $ 2,100.00 Su6Total $ 3,750.00 Su6Total $ 5,250.00
oivision�030-Sitlewalks,Shared Use Paths,and Driveways
i6 7030-108-A-1 RemovalofSldewalk 37 SY $ 5.00 $ 185.00 $ 15.00 $ 555.00 $ 25.00 $ 925.00
17 7030-108-B-0 Removal of Curb 40 LF $ 5.00 $ 200.00 $ 11.00 $ 440.00 $ 15.00 $ 600.00
18 7030-108-E-0 PCC,Sidewalk,4"(Thlckness) 7 SY $ 48.00 $ 336.00 $ 75.00 $ 525.00 $ 160.00 $ 1,120.00
19 7030-108-E-0 PCC,Sidewalk,6"(Thlckness) 30 SY $ 60.00 $ 1,800.00 $ 87.00 $ 2,610.00 $ 185.00 $ 5,550.00
SubTotal $ 2,521.00 Su6Total $ 4,130.00 SubTotal $ 8,195.00
Division 7040-Pavement Rehabilitation
20 7040-108-H-0 Pavement-Removai 32 SY $ 5.00 $ 160.00 $ 12.00 $ 384.00 $ 30.00 $ 960.00
Sub Total $ 160.00 Su6 Total $ 384.00 Su6 Total $ 960.00
Division 9010-Seeding
21 9010-108-B-0 Hydraulic-Seeding,Ferlilizing,and Mulching,Type 1,by SF 1800 SF $ 0.60 $ 1,080.00 $ 0.39 $ 702.00 $ 2.00 $ 3,600.00
Sub Total $ 1,080.00 Su6 Total $ 702.00 Su6 Total $ 3,600.00
Division 11,020-Mobilization
22 11020-108-A-0 Mobilization 1 LS $ 3,000.00 $ 3,000.00 $ 18,800.00 $ 18,800.00 $ 25,000.00 $ 25,000.00
Sub Total $ 3,000.00 Su6 Total $ 18,800.00 Su6 Total $ 25,000.00
Special Provisions-NonStandard Project kems
23 SP Core Drill Foundalion W all/Install Llnk Seals 1 LS $ 1,800.00 $ 1,800.00 $ 3,000.00 $ 3,000.00 $ 800.00 $ 800.00
24 SP Building Intemal Eleclrical.Breakers,ConduitsAnd Wlring 1 LS $ 10,000.00 $ 10,000.00 $ 9,000.00 $ 9,000.00 $ 8,900.00 $ 8,900.00
25 SP Alarm Panel Mounting Frame 1 EA $ 1,000.00 $ 1,000.00 $ 1,300.00 $ 1,300.00 $ 1,300.00 $ 1,300.00
26 SP Pump And Clean Exisling Lift Stelion 1269 GAL $ 0.75 $ 951.75 $ 3.20 $ 4,060.80 $ 4.00 $ 5,076.00
27 SP RelocateExisling4"PVCVenlPipe 1 EA $ 1,000.00 $ 1,000.00 $ 1,600.00 $ 1,600.00 $ 1,100.00 $ 1,100.00
28 SP Force Main To Graviry Main Connection 1 EA $ 1,200.00 $ 1,200.00 $ 2,600.00 $ 2,600.00 $ 1,500.00 $ 1,500.00
29 SP Flushing Handhole 1 LS $ 2,000.00 $ 2,000.00 $ 10,600.00 $ 10,600.00 $ 3,500.00 $ 3,500.00
30 SP AbandonExislingLiftStelionEleclrical 1 LS $ 800.00 $ 800.00 $ 1,100.00 $ 1,100.00 $ 1,100.00 $ 1,100.00
31 SP AbandonExislingLiftStelion 1 LS $ 5,000.00 $ 5,000.00 $ 7,100.00 $ 7,100.00 $ 8,500.00 $ 8,500.00
32 SP DlsposalOfLandflllMaterial 177 TON $ 90.00 $ 15,930.00 $ 170.00 $ 30,090.00 $ 225.00 $ 39,825.00
SubTotal $ 39,681.75 Su6Total $ 70,450.80 Su6Total $ 71,601.00
Total Bid Amount: $ 154,99275 $ 225,133.80 $ 243,956.00
Total Bid $ 225,133.80 Total Bid $ 243,956.00
%Over/Under(-) 4525% 57.40%
Page 1549 of 1594