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Consideration of a request from the Engineering Division to authorize staff to enter into professional services agreements with raSmith for sanitary sewer dye testing in the amount of $288,000 and with Baxter & Woodman for flow data evaluation in the amount of $86,700
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Submitted by:
Chris Jain, PE, Senior Civil Engineer
Department
Public Works, Engineering Division
A. Issue
Consideration of a request from the Engineering Division to authorize staff to enter into professional services agreements with raSmith for sanitary sewer dye testing in the amount of $288,000 and with Baxter & Woodman for flow data evaluation in the amount of $86,700
B. Background/Options
The Common Council approved the execution of a funding agreement with the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) through the Private Property Infiltration and Inflow (PPII) Reduction Program in January 2026 to complete two sanitary sewer investigation projects. The consulting services recommended in this memo implement that funding agreement and allow the City to complete the investigations identified under the program.
The goal of these projects is to measure the effectiveness of previously completed sanitary sewer improvements in reducing the “clear water” (inflow and infiltration, or I/I) entering the sanitary sewer system. These investigations will help the City evaluate the effectiveness of past sewer rehabilitation investments and guide future efforts to reduce inflow and infiltration. The two investigation projects are summarized below:
1. The dye testing project will surcharge the storm sewer with dyed water and use CCTV inspections in the sanitary sewer to observe and document the locations and rates of infiltration. These infiltration rates will be compared with historical infiltration rates observed during previous dye testing efforts to evaluate the reduction in infiltration resulting from completed improvements and will be summarized in a final report.
2. The flow data evaluation project will analyze several years of flow data collected from MMSD-provided meters that were installed in manholes throughout the City. This data will be used to build a sanitary sewer flow model to simulate system performance during various rain events. By comparing pre- and post-construction simulated flows, the analysis will quantify and evaluate the reduction in infiltration achieved with the completed sanitary sewer rehabilitation and replacement projects. Results will be summarized in a final report.
Proposals were solicited from engineering consulting firms for each of the projects. The proposals were evaluated and scored based on firm and personnel experience, project approach and understanding, and fees. A summary of the proposals received is below:
1. Dye Testing Contract: Three proposals were received with fees that ranged from $288,000 to $497,500. Staff recommends award of the contract to raSmith as their proposal scored the highest and their fee was $288,000.
2. Flow Data Evaluation Contract: Three proposals were received with fees that ranged from $86,700 to $179,463. Staff recommends award of the contract to Baxter & Woodman as their proposal scored the highest and their fee was $86,700.
C. Strategic Plan (Area of Focus)
Priority 3: Infrastructure, Goal 1 - Optimize infrastructure to handle 100-year storm events.
Priority 3: Infrastructure, Goal 5 - Increase alternative (non-property tax based) funding to support capital projects.
D. Fiscal Impact
These projects will be funded through the MMSD PPII Reduction Program and will not require additional City funding beyond the allocated program funds. The Funding Agreement includes $544,500 of Municipal PPII Funds. After award of the initial contracts, the remaining $169,800 of Municipal PPII Funds will allow the City to request reimbursement for eligible City staff time associated with these projects and provide contingency funding for additional tasks that may be identified during the investigations.
Item Budget/Cost
Allocated Municipal PPII Funding $544,500
Dye Testing Contract (raSmith) $288,000
Flow Data Evaluation Contract (Baxter & Woodman) $ 86,700
Remaining Funding $169,800
Remaining funding may be used for:
• Request reimbursement of eligible City staff time
• Contingency funding for additional project tasks if needed
E. Recommendation
Authorize staff to enter into professional service agreements with raSmith for sanitary sewer dye testing for $288,000 and with Baxter & Woodman for flow data evaluation for $86,700.