Staff recommend $1.54M culvert/headwall contract; request $666,419 additional appropriation

Earl, a city staff presenter, told the March 9 staff agenda review that staff will seek commission approval to award bid 2604B to the Stowe Group for a culvert and headwall improvements project totaling about $1.54 million.

“We're looking to award bid 2604 b to the Stowe Group, company, for a total of $1,537,007.35,” Earl said, describing three work locations and a scope that includes headwall and riprap installation, pavement restoration, drainage improvements and sidewalk replacement where warranted.

Earl said three bids were received and the Stowe Group was judged the most responsive and responsible bidder. He said the city has some funding in project accounts SW23A and SW21A and a $400,000 FDP grant, but staff will request an additional appropriation of $666,419 to fully fund the recommended contract. The project schedule staff described calls for 270 days to substantial completion and 45 days to final completion (315 days total).

During questions, staff clarified that the program-level project accounts were budgeted as estimates (mileage-based) rather than location-specific sums, and that bids arrived higher than earlier budget estimates. In response to a question about longevity, Earl said the aluminum installations are rust resistant and should last more than 50 years.

Staff will bring the recommended award and appropriation request to the commission at the March 11 meeting for formal action.