Foundation to provide $325,500 for project

By John Faucher

The New London Parks and Recreation Committee voted Aug. 11 to replace the 50-year-old lights at Cottrill field in Hatten Stadium.

Four bids ranged from $325,500 to $489,000.

“The bids were a little bit more than what we were expecting,” said Chad Hoerth, Director of Parks and Recreation. “We were expecting them to come in around the $275,000 mark.”

“What we found is that there was some difficulty factored in because of the wall and trees behind it,” said Hoerth.

The project is being financed out of funds raised from the Hatten Stadium Foundation.

Alderman Tom O’Connell asked if the new lights would be more energy efficient.

Hoerth reported that not only will the new lights be more energy efficient, but they also come with a 20-year service and maintenance warranty and they will be radio controlled.

The committee unanimously approved the lowest bid from Bodart Electric of DePere at $325,500.

The bid tabulation consists of $25,000 for demolition of the existing lighting towers and supports, $289,000 for the complete new lighting system, $5,000 for the electrical control panel shelter, $5,000 for project restoration and $500 to salvage the existing light fixtures, including ballasts and lamps.

Other bids were received from Elmstar Electric for $328,700, Northern Electric for $345,970, and K-W Electric for $489,100.

Alderman Rob Way asked Hoerth what the timeline would be for the project.

“Most of the construction will take place this fall,” said Hoerth. “The contractor is supposed to be finished in April 2016 in time for the baseball season.”

Alderman Tom O’Connell asked that extra care be taken to protect the ball field during construction.