Pipes at Madison Elementary will be replaced over the summer for $189,000 – Shaw Local

DIXON — A bid of $189,000 has been selected by the Dixon Public Schools School Board for a water main overhaul at Madison Elementary School.

The project was awarded to Mechanical Inc. of Freeport, which does business as Helm Mechanical.

Three offers were reviewed by Bill Taylor of Green Associates. Loescher Heating and Air Conditioning of Freeport and MO-ST Plumbing and Mechanical of Rock Falls also submitted bids.

Helm Mechanical had the lowest base bid at $157,900. Each offer was accompanied by a secondary offer to replace the water heater. Helm Mechanical offered $31,100 for it.

Kevin Schultz, building and grounds manager, explained that the project will replace the school’s 63-year-old galvanized piping. In addition, shut-off valves will be installed for each classroom.

The project is to be completed over the summer and be completed in time for the first week of school in August.

Schultz said the district’s biggest responsibility right now is to burst one of the pipes over a weekend. As it stands, the shutoff valves are only for whole fenders.

Superintendent Margo Empen said due to the pipe replacement, all summer activities held in Madison will have to be moved to other facilities in the district.

When the project was first considered in 2015, the estimated cost was $175,000.