You Could Be ...

The City should select a consulting engineer based on qualifications and not price. Consulting engineers design and provide management services for large expenditure items, such as buildings, roads, environmental services and land use planning. When a client wants to be successful, choosing the right services from the best engineering expertise should be the primary consideration.
Our selection process will use conversational interviews focused on understanding the firm and the person who will be the city’s primary resource by learning about their values, strengths and weaknesses. We want to assess “fit” with our values, culture and community. Our process will included one conversational interview of one hour per firm. I want the engineer selected for intelligence, persistence, and cultural fit.
Because the City uses the engineer like staff, the exact amount of work to be done in any given time period cannot be predetermined and the hourly rate plus fee compensation is used. The engineering firm bills its actual costs (salaries and overhead) and then adds any costs over and above the rate as a fee on top.
Our consulting engineer does the preliminary investigation and reporting services that are required when the feasibility of the project needs to be established, or where there are a number of possible alternatives for the characteristics, performance and location, etc., of the project. Establishment of the project’s financial viability and preparation of submissions to staff for funding are often involved in this phase. Risk assessments for each alternative may be undertaken for major projects. This phase may include the investigation, application for and obtaining of required documents, licenses and any other initial permits or consents necessary before the project can be implemented.
The consulting engineer is often involved in meetings to discuss proposed private projects. The consulting engineer makes recommendations to staff that administer the City's storm water retention ordinances, utility extension policy and floodplain regulations. The consulting engineer makes recommendations to staff about reviews and approvals of off-site improvement plans and right-of-way dedications.
The consulting engineer makes recommendations to staff about all construction in the public right-of-way before the issuance of permits and inspection of all improvements including water, sewer, storm drains, streets, curbs, gutters, bikepaths/sidewalks, drainage, fire lines, hydrants, street lights and other public utilities such as gas, power, telephone, and cable television.
The consulting engineer reviews development plans for private developments within the City limits. Plans are reviewed for compliance with City of Lake Mills Engineering Standards. The consulting engineer will be able to provide information regarding public utilities, driveway locations, offsite roadway improvements, drainage issues, discharge location, discharge rate, offsite drainage improvements, and general site layout issues related to the parking layout or drainage.
The design of projects generally involves three phases: Project Feasibility Reporting; Investigating and Reporting; and the Detailed and Construction Design phases. Services offered during the final stages of the Design phase include administration of the bidding process, contract administration and assessment of construction standards. The engineer is expected to provide construction monitoring supervision and quality assurance that aligns with the city’s interests.
If you can do this – you may be the City’s consulting engineer.