Agenda - Public Works Committee - 03/21/2000

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CASE CONSIDER SELECTION OF ENGINEER TO COORDINATE WATER UTILITY PROJECTS AND DESIGN WELL HOUSE AND CONNECTING WATERMAINS By: Steve Jankowski, City Engineer Background: As you may recall, the City has a number of water utility projects scheduled and underway for year 2000. These improvements will include the construction of a fifth City well, a second water tower, a third pump house, and watermains connecting these improvements to the City's existing water distribution system. Since the connecting watermain is anticipated to be placed within the right-of-way of Sunwood Drive, the scope of this work should also include the construction of one-half mile of Sunwood Drive, from the well house to Ramsey Boulevard. Attached is a Request for Proposals that was sent to three firms: Bolton and Menk, Inc. (BM), Hakanson Anderson Associates (H-A), and John Oliver & Associates (JO). Two of the above finns are local, with offices in Anoka and Elk River; the third firm, Bolton and Menk, has recently completed an analysis of the City, s water utility and has the advantage of being closely familiar with our water utility. As you may recall, the City has already entered into contracts with E.H. Renner for the design of the well AEC Engineering for the design of the water tower. Both of these firms were selected by the City because of their expertise in those disciplines. The City also anticipates using System Control Services, Inc. in incorporating these new system elements into the computerized utility control system. This firm is proposed because it set up the existing control system two years ago and has an excellent service record since then. The work of the consultant being selected will include coordination with these firms in addition to the remaining design work. The Request for Proposals specifically did not include a not-to-exceed amount because effort required with the coordination element is understandably very difficult to define. Rather, staff is proposing that the qualifications and experience of the three firms be considered and selection be based upon identifying the best-qualified firm. Subsequently, the City would negotiate with the finn to establish reasonable budget constraints and a budget overview process. Committee Action: The proposals will be available at the meeting. The goal is to select a consultant and begin the process of negotiating the budget. Reviewed by: City Administrator Director of Public Works Parks/Utilities Supervisor PW: 03/21/00