Resolution accepting feasibility report, ordering plans, and authorizing bids for Capital Improvement Project 11238; Balcerzak Water Tower Rehabilitation.

Adoption of the attached resolution.

The 2027 Balcerzak Water Tower Rehabilitation project proposes rehabilitation of the City of Mankato’s existing 1.5-million-gallon elevated water storage tank located at 266 Balcerzak Drive. The existing water tower was constructed in 1970 and is a critical component of the City's water distribution system. The City completed a comprehensive inspection and condition assessment of the tower in 2017 and re-evaluated in 2025 to confirm its condition and needs. The evaluation included structural observations, coating assessments, safety reviews, and operational considerations. The coating assessment identified deterioration of the interior wet, interior dry, and exterior coating systems and concluded that the systems have reached the end of their useful lives. Recommendation is for full coating replacement to extend the service life of this critical infrastructure. The assessment also identified various structural and safety deficiencies. The assessment concluded that the existing tank remains structurally sound for continued service and with rehabilitation can be expected to prolong the service life of the tower for an additional 20 years.    

Based on the findings of the condition assessments, the City proceeded with the preparation of a feasibility report for the proposed improvements in preparation for final design and competitive contractor bidding.  The next step in this process is to authorize the City Manager to publicly advertise the project for contractor bids in accordance with Minnesota Statute 471.345. 
The anticipated project schedule is as follows: 

September 14, 2026	Accept feasibility report, order plans, and authorize public bid advertisement for solicitation of competitive contractor bids.
September to October 2026	Bid advertisement and solicitation period.
October 15, 2026	Public bid opening.
October 26, 2026	City council review and consideration of the awarding bid.
November 2026	Contract execution.
November 2026 to March 2027	Shop drawings and material procurement.
March 2027	Begin onsite construction
August 2027	Complete onsite construction.

The proposed 2027 Balcerzak Water Tower Rehabilitation Project represents a technically feasible and cost-effective investment in the City’s critical water utility infrastructure. The proposed improvements are expected to prolong the service life of the existing tank for an additional 20 years. The project is consistent with the City's long-term asset management objectives and supports continued delivery of safe and reliable drinking water service to the community. 

Staff recommends the Council consider these improvements per the attached feasibility reports, order the City Engineer to prepare final plans and specifications, and instruct the City Manager to advertise for bids in accordance with the requirements of law. 

Estimated costs and funding sources are noted below: 

ITEM	COST
Mobilization, Bonds, Insurance	$60,000
Interior Wet Coatings	$360,000
Interior Dry Coatings	$120,000
Exterior Coatings	$850,000
Repairs & Modifications	$300,000
TOTAL CONSTRUCTION COSTS	$1,690.000
Construction Contingency	$170,000
Engineering & Administration	$90,000
TOTAL PROJECT COST	$1,950,000

 

FUNDING SOURCE	AMOUNT	PERCENT
Water Capital Fund	$1,950,000	100%
TOTAL FUNDS	$1,950,000	100%