Jim Hillmer

The Operations Committee meeting addressed multiple significant contractual and project items. Key discussions included the award of Contract W29002D01 for Engineering and Ecological Design Services for the Burnham Canal Wetland Restoration to Ramboll Americas Engineering Solutions, Inc., funded by USEPA grants. The Commission also considered the approval of Funding Agreement M10005MI14 with the City of Milwaukee for the Private Property Infiltration and Inflow Reduction Program, focusing on sanitary sewer lateral replacements. Furthermore, the meeting involved authorizing Contract J06104E01 for Preliminary Engineering Services for the Jones Island Turbine Generator System Improvements to Valdes Engineering Company, aligning with the District's 2035 Vision energy goals. Contract J01019C01 for Jones Island Force Main Improvements was awarded to Mid City Corporation, necessitating an increase in the Total Project Cost (TPC). A change order for Contract J06083D01 regarding HVAC System Improvements at the Jones Island Water Reclamation Facility was discussed, along with a request to restore the Executive Director's delegated authority for future changes. Finally, the authorization for Contract S06046C03 for major overhauls of Cat Engines at the South Shore Water Reclamation Facility to Fabick Cat via sole source procurement was reviewed, as was a change order to Contract P02006C01 for Landfill Gas Pipeline Management, Operation, Maintenance, and Emergency Response Services with Utility Safety and Design, Inc.

The meeting covered several agenda items primarily focused on contract approvals, rejections, and amendments related to capital projects and operational maintenance. Key discussions included the approval of Funding Agreement M10005WM02 for the Village of West Milwaukee Private Property Infiltration and Inflow Reduction Project to address wet weather sanitary flows. The Commission also addressed the rejection of the only bid received for Contract C98062C02, DC0103 and DC0603 Repairs due to the bid being significantly over the engineer's estimate, necessitating a rebid after further evaluation. Contract S04040P01 for Planning Services regarding Dryer Technology Assessment for Milorganite production at the South Shore Water Reclamation Facility was authorized with Brown and Caldwell. Change order requests and restoration of delegated authority were sought for Contract J02016D01 (Process Air Compressor System Upgrade at Jones Island Water Reclamation Facility) and Contract S03005D01 (Disinfection Process Improvements at South Shore Water Reclamation Facility). Additionally, Contract J03006D01 (Disinfection Process Improvements at Jones Island Water Reclamation Facility) also required a change order and restoration of delegated authority. Finally, Contract C01007D01 for Engineering Services for the South Howell Avenue Wet Weather Relief Sewer was awarded, and Contract C02013C01 for the Oak Creek Southwest Metropolitan Interceptor Sewer Extension was awarded to Super Excavators, Inc., with the low bid resulting in a decrease to the total project cost.

The Policy, Finance, & Personnel Committee meeting addressed two primary items related to the Oak Creek Southwest Metropolitan Interceptor Sewer Extension, Project C02013. The commission was requested to authorize the Executive Director to execute intergovernmental cooperation agreements (ICAs) with the City of Franklin and the City of Oak Creek. These ICAs define responsibilities concerning cost, ownership, and maintenance for specific municipal infrastructure components, such as a drop manhole structure and a municipal sewer across County Line Road, constructed concurrently with the District's main interceptor extension. The District retains ownership of the MIS extension itself. Furthermore, the meeting included the Executive Director's Report, referencing monthly reports and the commission calendar for February 2026.

The meeting included discussions and resolutions regarding several key projects and contracts. These included the election of a Commission Chair and Vice Chair for the year 2026, approval of funding agreements for private property infiltration and inflow reduction projects in Milwaukee and Wauwatosa, and a feasibility study for wet weather treatment. The commission also considered restoring the Executive Director's delegated authority for contracts related to the Western Milwaukee Phase 2B Levee and Floodwall and the Blower Branch Pipe Replacement at the South Shore Water Reclamation Facility. Additional topics included change order requests and budget adjustments for the Interplant Sludge System Improvements project, and an amendment to the intergovernmental cooperation agreement with the City of Milwaukee regarding the Kinnickinnic River Reach 2 Improvements.

The Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District is issuing $90,000,000 General Obligation Sewerage System Bonds, Series 2024D (Green Bonds - Climate Bond Certified). The bonds are dated May 13, 2024, and will mature serially from October 1, 2025, through October 1, 2044. Interest is payable semi-annually. The bonds are subject to redemption prior to maturity at the option of the Issuer. The bonds are general obligations of the Issuer, payable from ad valorem taxes. The purpose of the bonds is to finance portions of the Issuer's capital budget for the years 2023, 2024, and 2025.