Council authorizes up to $200,500 to replace damaged retaining wall on FM 1709 after engineers recommend full replacement; vote is 5–2

The City Council approved an agreement with Apex Concrete Construction for repair and replacement of a city‑owned modular retaining wall along eastbound FM 1709 (near 1299 West Southlake Boulevard) in an amount not to exceed $200,500. The motion passed 5–2 following debate about competitive bids and construction options.

Public Works staff explained the origin of the project: in February 2025 a vehicle struck and damaged about 36 feet of the modular retaining wall. Forensic engineering by the city’s consultant found the wall had preexisting drainage problems, hydrostatic pressure, inadequate reinforcement and an underdrain system that was not functioning; the consultant concluded spot repairs would be insufficient and recommended replacing the full wall with a cast‑in‑place reinforced concrete wall with improved drainage.

Apex provided an estimate of about $182,000; staff added a roughly 10 percent contingency. Public Works reported Farmers Insurance had issued about $24,000 to date; the driver’s coverage is insufficient to cover full replacement costs and the city is pursuing options through legal channels.

Some council members questioned why staff was not seeking additional competitive bids for the specific work and urged exploring alternative replacement methods (modular block replacement or other approaches). Resident Peter Asmar urged the council to solicit bids from multiple companies. Staff said the city used an existing contract with Apex to accelerate repairs and that initial estimates for a 1‑for‑1 replacement were in the same range.

Mayor Pro Tem Tim Williamson moved approval of the Apex agreement, noting funding would be reallocated from residuals in the capital improvements program; the motion passed 5–2.