Agenda - Council Work Session - 03/30/2010

Home

CASE # CONSIDER AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR CITY PROJECT #10-23, EAST MEANDERING COMMONS PARK By: Tim Himmer, City Engineer Background: This park project located within the TOWN CENTER has been reviewed by Council numerous times, dating back to an RFP process that was initiated in August of 2009. The project is comprised of an amphitheater, pedestrian bridges, trails, stormwater treatment facilities, retaining walls, a wetland classroom, and landscaping. A detailed concept plan was developed by URS Corporation and Close Landscape Architecture, in conjunction with various stakeholders, for Ramsey Town Center LLC back in 2005. At Council's direction staff negotiated the purchase of construction drawings from URS so the City could bid the project and proceed with implementation. One of the driving factors for initiating this project was to take advantage of a Livable Communities grant from the Metropolitan Council in the amount of $363,756 for the construction of an amphitheater, pedestrian bridge, and bituminous trails. This grant has been extended once in the past and these funds must be spent by June 30, 2010, which means the improvements must be complete in order to receive reimbursement. Observations: It was Council's direction to bid the project as originally designed, and staff has accomplished that by separating the project into two (2) contracts with a base bid and add alternates for each to realize the entire plan. This was done to create flexibility in awarding a contract that would leave open the ability for future refinements to the plan, and to identify funding sources that could realize the improvements requested. Bids were received on Friday, March 26, 2010, and are summarized on the attached resolution. Contract A: W. Gohman Construction Company is the apparent low bidder for both the base bid and total contract, including all the add alternates. The second low bidder, Peterson Companies, Inc., has questioned the validity of the W. Gohman bid (see attached) because they failed to fill in the total bid amount at the bottom of the bid form. Staff has forwarded all the pertinent information to the City Attorney for review and he is preparing his legal opinion relative to this matter, which will be presented at the Council meeting. Staff has performed reference checks, looking at similar projects they have performed in the past, and received glowing recommendations on their overall project management skills, site supervision, and daily interaction communication with their contract holders. They also received high marks for their ability to get involved in the project, outside of the construction scope, from a value engineering perspective to investigate opportunities to reduce costs by presenting ideas for consideration. Contract B: Great Northern Landscapes, Inc. is the apparent low bidder for both the base bid and total contract, including all the add alternates. Staff has performed reference checks and received positive feedback on their past work experience. They have performed work within the TOWN CENTER in the past, and have worked well with City staff. Since they are a local company they are