The Albert Lea City Council on Monday unanimously approved four contracts with Ulland Brothers for city street projects this summer.

The first project is for the reconstruction of Park Avenue, Grace Street, Mariners Lane and Harriet Lane.

Albert Lea-based Ulland Brothers submitted the only bid for just under $3.4 million. The engineer’s estimate was $2.98 million.

Albert Lea City Manager Chad Adams said the increase is due to bid amounts received for sewer services, water services and pipe bursting.

Assessments are not expected to go up because of the higher bid.

The second project is for the Lake Chapeau Drive reconstruction from Freeborn County Road 46 to just past City Arena.

Ulland Brothers submitted the only bid for about $317,000. The engineer’s estimate was about $369,000.

The third project is for the reconstruction of Edgewater Drive through Edgewater Park, including parking lots and the shared user trail.

Ulland Brothers submitted the only bid for about $400,000. The engineer’s estimate was about $494,000.

The fourth project is for the bituminous overlay, along with various curb, gutter and sidewalk replacement for the following streets:

• James Avenue from Second Street to Frank Avenue

• Third Street from Newton Avenue to Frank Hall Drive

• Newton Avenue from Fourth Street to Seventh Street

• Sixth Street from James Avenue to Frank Hall Drive

• Second Street from Broadway Avenue to Frank Hall Drive

• Fourth Street from Frank Avenue to Frank Hall Drive

• Frank Hall Drive from Fifth Street to Seventh Street

• St. John Avenue from Fourth Street to Seventh Street

• Curb and gutter replacement is planned for Third Street, Fourth

• Street, Sixth Street and St. John Avenue.

One bid was submitted for the project by Ulland Brothers for $1.06 million. The engineer’s estimate was $1.24 million.

First Ward Councilor John Schulte V noted he has spoken with city staff about how to increase competition in the bidding process.

Albert Lea City Engineer Steven Jahnke said the more bids the city receives the more competitive the process is, but noted Ulland Brothers does good work and is a good local contractor to work with.