City staff recommends $1.54 million bid award for culvert and headwall repairs, asks for $666,419 supplemental appropriation

City staff presented Phase 7 of the citywide culvert and headwall improvement program at the March 9 staff agenda review and recommended awarding bid 2604B to the Stowe Group for $1,537,007.35.

Earl (public works/staff) described the project scope as headwall and riprap installation, pavement restoration, drainage improvements and sidewalk replacement where warranted. The presentation identified three construction sites (Westwood Drive north of NW 74th Court; NW 79th Avenue south of NW 60th Street; and a site north of NW 80th Court). Earl said the Stowe Group was the most responsive and responsible bidder and provided a recommended total of $1,537,007.35 for the base award.

Staff also explained a funding gap. Earl said the program has funding in two project accounts (SW23A and SW21A) but will need an additional appropriation of $666,419 to fully fund the phase; staff noted an FDP grant of $400,000 is also available. The presentation set the construction timeline at notice to proceed → substantial completion in 270 days plus 45 days for final completion (315 days total).

Commissioners and staff asked how locations were selected and why costs rose above earlier estimates. Earl said locations are prioritized based on observed erosion and program needs. Christine (staff) clarified that the figures cited for available funds are program-level estimates based on miles targeted for the year and are not location-specific; actual bid results came in higher than the earlier budget estimates, prompting the supplemental request.

The transcript contains one garbled passage relating to contingency and a stated total project cost that could not be read clearly; staff consistently cited the $1,537,007.35 base bid and the separately stated $666,419 additional appropriation need. Staff said they will seek commission approval on March 11 and expect to issue a notice to proceed after award.