Clearlake council awards Austin Park splash pad contract to Diamond D Construction

The Clearlake City Council on May 5 voted to award a $330,207 contract to Diamond D Construction to build a splash pad at Austin Park and authorized city staff to include a 10% contingency for unforeseen items.

City staff said the project’s original engineer’s estimate was about $323,000 and an earlier low bid of roughly $522,000 prompted the city to rebid. At the rebid opening staff reported two bidders and Diamond D’s $330,207 figure was close to the engineer’s estimate, prompting the recommendation to award the work to the low bidder. Director Goodman presented the item and described the rebid process and price comparison.

Council discussed timing and schedule. Staff said they expect to set a construction start date within about a month of the contract award, after the contractor provides required insurance and paperwork and the city completes a preconstruction meeting, and estimated the work could take roughly 45–60 days once underway. City staff also said some equipment had already been ordered, which could influence the start date.

Councilman Kramer moved to accept the Diamond D Construction bid; the motion was seconded and amended on the dais to include the customary 10% contingency. The council approved the motion by voice vote; the clerk announced the item passed and the meeting proceeded to the next agenda item.

The next steps are contract execution, submittal of insurance and bonds, a preconstruction meeting and schedule confirmation; staff projected construction could begin in early June but said lead times on equipment could push the start date later.