Marshalltown Councilor At-Large Leon Lamer let his dissatisfaction be known at Monday night’s council meeting about the city contracting the Bolton & Menk consulting firm for project inspection, among other services, at an additional cost of $167,700.

Before the vote was taken, Public Works Director Justin Nickel recommended the amendment to the contract be approved.

Nickel said Bolton & Menk’s help was needed because the Army Corps of Engineers requires a full-time construction inspector on the job monitoring the High Street Drainage Improvement Project estimated at $1,749,101.

“(Bolton & Menk) would provide construction, administrative and observation services,” Nickel said. “They (Bolton & Menk) are expecting 23-weeks of full-time inspector on site, averaging more than 40 hours per week on site.”

Lamer recommended getting another comparison cost from another engineering firm. The retired Marshalltown Water Works Chief Executive Officer and veteran city councilor expressed his displeasure with Bolton & Menk personnel.

“I am concerned with a couple of their staff members … who might be here, and you (councilors) ought to be too, because one was requested never to come back here (to Marshalltown) … and he now works for them.”

Lamer told the council it should get “at least one more price before finalizing the deal” and “we need to watch our expenses.”

At-Large Councilor Bethany Wirin asked Lamer to clarify his figures.

“I am not following your math,” she said.

Nickel then reviewed Bolton & Menk’s costs, and said the original contact amount was $67,300, and that did not implement final design. He explained it was before other project factors came into play.

Nickel also said the $167,000 is a not-to-exceed amount.

The public works director said he is hopeful the department can utilize a possible soon-to-be hired construction inspector and not have to spend all of the $167,000.

“We will do our best not to spend that money, but the project requires construct-on observation for 23 weeks at 40 hours per week,” Nickel said. “I appreciate Councilor Lamer’s comments, but I recommend council approve this amendment to the contract.”

Lamer again said he wanted a second review from another consultant.

“It is not our job to make the consultant rich,” he said.

Council followed Nickel’s recommendation in a 6-1 vote, with Lamer casting the sole no vote.

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Contact Mike Donahey at

641-753-6611 or

mdonahey@timesrepublican.com.