Bellevue Council approves contract with Hawkins Construction for wastewater project

In a recent meeting held at Sarpy County's city hall, officials gathered to discuss critical developments regarding the local wastewater management system. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as members reviewed a significant contract with Hawkins Construction, a subsidiary company that has been instrumental in the project’s construction phase.

The discussion began with an overview of the operational challenges faced by the wastewater system. Initially, there was hope that Omaha could assist with the operation and maintenance of the system. However, after discussions, Omaha declined to participate, leaving Bellevue as the only interested party. Concerns arose due to the extensive reach of the project, which stretches through Springfield and various jurisdictional boundaries.

Mayor Kindig, a proponent of public bidding and fair opportunities, was keen to explore other options. However, outreach to various engineering firms yielded limited results, highlighting the unique nature of the services required. The meeting emphasized the importance of Hawkins Construction's familiarity with the system, as they have been involved from the beginning. Their in-depth knowledge and resources were deemed essential for the project's success.

The proposed contract with Hawkins was presented at a significantly reduced cost of approximately $184,000 for one year, a stark contrast to the initial estimate of half a million dollars. This reduction was welcomed by the council, who recognized the value of working with a contractor that has proven to be fair and accommodating throughout the project.

As the meeting progressed, the council unanimously approved the contract, signaling a strong commitment to moving forward with the wastewater management initiative. The approval was met with a sense of relief and optimism, as members acknowledged the importance of having a reliable partner in Hawkins.

In addition to the contract approval, the council addressed the need to manage surplus construction materials left over from the project. Jeff Thompson, the project engineer, explained that the agency had pre-procured materials to mitigate rising costs. However, this has resulted in a surplus of scraps that need to be disposed of properly. The council agreed that auctioning off these materials would be the best course of action, preventing potential degradation and unnecessary disposal costs.

As the meeting concluded, the council's decisions underscored a proactive approach to wastewater management in Sarpy County. With a solid partnership in place and a plan for surplus materials, officials are poised to enhance the efficiency and reliability of the local wastewater system, ensuring it meets the needs of the community for years to come.