TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Allison Swisher, Director of Public Utilities
SUBJECT:
title
Award of Professional Services Agreement for the Southeast Joliet Sanitary District Phase 2 Water System Improvements Project to Baxter & Woodman Inc. for the Not-to-Exceed Amount of $65,400.00
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BACKGROUND:
The City of Joliet acquired the Southeast Joliet Sanitary District (District) water and sanitary sewer systems on February 1, 2026. The County is providing funding via multiple sources to fund improvements in the District’s system. The next planned improvement is Phase 2 Water System Improvements. This project will include the following work:
• Abandonment of the District water main along Rt. 53 from Doris Ave. to Zarley Blvd.
• Transfer of approximately 16 water services along Rt. 53 from the District water main to the City water main
• Installation of approximately 150 feet of watermain along Zarley Blvd. to transfer water service from the District water main to the City water main
Staff requested that Baxter & Woodman Inc. provide a proposal for professional engineering services to complete design engineering for the project. In Fall 2021 the City published a Request for Qualifications for water system rehabilitation for the 2023 - 2030 water main replacement program. Ten (10) qualifications were received, four (4) firms were interviewed, and the selection committee consisting of staff from both the public utilities and public works departments identified Baxter & Woodman Inc. as the most qualified firm to complete the design engineering services for the program. Baxter & Woodman Inc. was also previously selected to be the City’s water system rehabilitation consultant in 2015 based on a qualifications-based selection process. Baxter & Woodman Inc. has successfully completed design engineering for the City’s 2017 - 2026 water main replacement projects.
The Public Service Committee will review this matter.
CONCLUSION:
Baxter & Woodman Inc. has provided a proposal, in an amount not-to-exceed $65,400.00, to design this water system improvement project. The scope of work identified in the design contract includes data collection, topographic survey, utility coordination, geotechnical services, design engineering, permitting, preparation of final bid documents, and bidding assistance.
Section 2-438 of the City of Joliet Code of Ordinances states that purchases whose estimated cost is in excess of twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000.00) may be awarded without written specifications or bidding under certain circumstances. Two (2) of these circumstances apply:
(f) Purchases when authorized by a concurring vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the Mayor and City Council;
(g) Purchases of professional services.
Funds will be charged to the PU Grant / Reimbursable Projects Fund / SEJSD / Professional Services (Org 50180170, Object 557200, $65,400.00, Project 25048).
The City will be reimbursed by the County for this work via Community Development Block Grant funds.
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
Based on the above, it is recommended that the Mayor and City Council approve the Professional Services Agreement for the Southeast Joliet Sanitary District Water System Improvements Project, for the not-to-exceed amount of $65,400.00, on behalf of Baxter & Woodman Inc.
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