Council authorizes resolution to proceed with Railroad Avenue reconstruction after low bid

Mount Angel staff presented the scope and bid results for the Railroad Avenue reconstruction project and council adopted a resolution to authorize contract award and project execution.

Staff described the project limits (approximately 1,300 feet running north–south immediately west of the railroad tracks, from West Church toward West Markham Street), a 34‑foot curb‑to‑curb asphalt section with sidewalks, curbs, gutters, parking on the west side, drainage connections and street lighting. Seventeen contractors bid on the project; staff reported MLHawk Construction was the lowest bidder at $737,000 while the engineer’s estimate was $1,500,000. Staff recommended awarding to the low bidder and noted available grant funds and contingencies to cover possible overages.

Council debated the bid spread, possible subcontract variations and contingency planning. A motion (Resolution 16‑27) was moved to authorize the city manager to award the Railroad Avenue Reconstruction Project in the amount of $737,000; the council adopted the resolution by roll call. The transcript contains inconsistent references to the contracting firm in different places; staff will finalize contracting documents and confirm the awarded contractor before execution.