Caledonia Argus

Street work signage criticized

Posted: 11/18/03

By David Heiller
Argus News Editor

Safety measures with the sanitary sewer rehabilitation project in Caledonia came under fire at the city council meeting on Nov. 10.

Mayor Bob Burns and engineer Michael Davy both complained about inadequate signs around dangerous spots.

ìItís a dramatic disappointment to say the least,î Burns said of the safety measures put in place by the general contractor, Badger Environmental and Earthworks of Westby, Wisconsin.

He felt that orange fencing should have been put up in places, and that Kingston Street was particularly bad.

Davy, the president of Davy Engineering, the firm in charge of the project, agreed. Closing County Road 5 (South Winnebago Street) was marked with one arrow, he said. ìI think heís done a lousy job of signing it,î he said.

Burns asked if there was any recourse for the city to take. Davy said that Badger had been notified half a dozen times but only little changes were made. He recommended that the city send Badger a letter and invite the owner to a council meeting so that the subject could be addressed there.

Wastewater issues too

Engineer Davy also told city councilors that Badger workers cut corners when they bypassed sewage lines, and let a lot of wastewater dump into the trenches.

Councilor Mark Schiltz added that he had received complaints from citizens on November 7 who were not notified in advance that their water was going to be shut off. Some people were caught taking showers when that happened.

The project was supposed to be done November 1, but the council approved a change order request to make the completion date November 21. They also approved a payment to Badger Environmental of $222,092. The vote passed 4-0, with Burns abstaining. The total cost is about $923,000.

The project is nearly done now. Concrete, curb, and gutter crews are at work, and all the excavations have been put back together. Initial blacktop surfacing is being done now, with a final overlay to be done next spring.

Top of Page