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TO: Mayor John Laesch
FROM: Kurt Muth, P.E., Assistant Director of Public Works
DATE: January 26, 2026
SUBJECT:
A resolution to award the 36” Southeast Transmission Water Main Repair project, located in Ward 1, to Vortex Infrastructure Services, Inc., in the contract amount of $558,470.00.
PURPOSE:
In December, a leak (currently manageable) was found on the 36” transmission water main south of the railroad tracks West of the N Ohio Street bridge near the northeast corner of Solfisburg Park (see attached location map - Exhibit A). This large diameter water main pushes a significant volume of water to serve the eastern outskirts of the distribution system. With the active loss of water, potential for the leak to worsen and the role of the pipe in the water distribution system, it is critical to approve this contract and move forward with the repair process.
BACKGROUND:
The water surfacing from the leak can be seen just south of the railroad tracks and with the pipe crossing the tracks in a casing pipe, it was feared that the leak was actually under the railroad tracks. Lining the water main was determined to be the simplest and most cost-effective repair solution which would eliminate the need to disturb the railroad tracks. With the severity of the leak, size of the pipe, complexity of the location and urgency for repair, six water main lining contractors were contacted to provide input and to request a proposal. In the meantime, the City had two acoustic leak detection companies confirm the leak is coming from the portion of the water main in the casing pipe under the tracks and one of the reports is attached as Exhibit B. After a contract is established and the inside diameter of the pipe is confirmed, it will likely take approximately 4 weeks to manufacture the liner and transport it to the site for preparation and installation.
The engineering division received pricing from two lining contractors consulted because it was found that only 3 of the 6 contacted, had the ability to line pipe larger than 24” diameter. The City has recently contracted with Hoerr Construction, Inc. on several lining contracts, but they unfortunately don’t have experience lining 36” water main. Their recommendation was to contact the Canadian company, Vortex Infrastructure Services Inc., whom they have partnered with in the past on complex projects outside of their capabilities. Vortex has completed several similar projects and their proposal includes a base price of $496,700 which is attached as Exhibit C. The second estimate is from Michels Trenchless, Inc., a Wisconsin based firm with a local office in Montgomery. Michels was a sub-contractor on the W. Galena Boulevard water main lining project constructed in 2019. The initial quote from Michels attached as Exhibit D was for $1,022,867 but included lining a longer portion of the pipe than desired. The City received a revised quote from them for $776,196 with a similar scope to Vortex. We are recommending moving forward with Vortex to take advantage of the lower cost.
Lining contractors typically sub-contract services with a local excavation contractor to dig the access pits required at each end of the lining limits. The engineering division would like to utilize the low bidder, Miller Pipeline, from 2026 water & sewer emergency repair contract bid out last fall to dig the required access pits. The City will also coordinate with a local pipe supplier to obtain any 36” pipe materials needed to reassemble the 36” pipe in the two lining access pits.
DISCUSSION:
The attached proposal was provided by Vortex for a base value of $496,700 and point repair contingency of $5,500 that would need to be installed at all leak locations. The total proposed contract value of $558,470.00 includes the base valve, 2 point repairs and 10% contingency added. A separate purchase order with Miller Pipeline will be created to cover the cost of tree clearing and grading necessary to access the north lining pit, cutting out the existing pipe at the two lining pits, providing shoring for the pits to remain open for several weeks, potential dewatering efforts for the north pit near Indian Creek, re-assembling the pipe after lining efforts and chlorinating the water main before putting it back into service. The contract with Miller Pipeline will be created utilizing the previously approved 2026 Water & Sewer Emergency Repair contract. The anticipated cost for the Miller Pipeline contract is in the $100,000 range, but could vary greatly depending on the dewatering efforts with the location of the water main next to Indian Creek.
The last piece of the puzzle will be the cost of the 36” pipe, fittings and materials needed to reassemble the pipe at the two lining access pits. The City has reached out to several local suppliers who bid on the 2026 Water & Sewer Materials bid because not all of the material items were included on that bid with the large sizes involved. The value of the material purchase is still being finalized based on the lead time of parts and will vary based on availability but the anticipated price ranges from $150,000 to $200,000.
The water main improvements will be funded with account 510-4058-511-73-02 (IC076) which has a 2026 total budgeted amount of $5,050,000.00.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
The repair will occur within the vicinity of the BNSF multi-rail corridor. However, the nearest dig location will be on the opposite side of Indian Creek. Coordination will be made with the railroad prior to any digging commences. This repair should occur as soon as possible to limit the amount of water lost.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
I request the proposed resolution be adopted.
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution to award the 36” Southeast Transmission Repair project, located in Ward 1, to Vortex Infrastructure Services, Inc., in the contract amount of $558,470.00.
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WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, a critical large diameter water main as an active water main leak that needs to be urgently repaired; and
WHEREAS, Vortex Infrastructure Services, Inc., provided the most responsive and lowest proposal of the contractors consulted for these emergency repair services; and
WHEREAS, the water main repair will be funded with account 510-4058-511-73-02 (IC076) which has a 2026 total budgeted amount of $5,000,000.00)
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: that the Director of Purchasing is hereby authorized to execute a contract with Vortex Infrastructure Services, Inc., in the contract amount of $558,470.00.