Committee forwards $50,000 contract increase for 2024 ADA curb-ramp retrofits

Staff presented a request to increase construction contract authority for the 2024 ADA retrofits program by $50,000 to address unanticipated utility conflicts, a more substantial demolished wall than expected and additional pavement and sidewalk restoration.

The ADA program is funded as a $250,000-per-year initiative under the city's ADA transition plan; carryover and additional funding sources brought available revenue for this project to $585,000. The originally awarded contract plus contingency was $274,895; staff requested $50,000 in additional authority, which would put total construction costs for the project at $379,895.50. Staff said most of the work is complete (all but one ramp) and described reasons the overruns occurred, including underestimated quantities of crushed surfacing and pavement restoration.

Council members asked about map color coding, whether the listed ramps finish ADA needs in the area and whether contingency practices should change; staff said the listed locations are priority ramps, the project does not bring every location to 100% compliance but corrects the largest deficiencies, and the requested increase is to cover legitimate additional costs. The committee voted unanimously to forward the increase request to the March 24 consent agenda.