Agenda - Public Works Committee - 07/16/2001

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P.W. CASE CONSIDER CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 FOR IP #99-51 ALPINE DRIVE EXTENSION BY: Steven J. Jankowski, City Engineer Background: On September 7, 2000, the City received bids on the above project which was awarded to Forest Lake Contracting Inc. in the amount of $716,399.48. This amount was $86,000 below the engineers estimate at the time of the bid. The project is approximately 75% completed at this time with the grading and the modular block walls having been completed. The quantity of modular block used in constructing the structural retaining and turtle protection walls was 64 percent higher than the bid quantity. The discrepancy has been attributed to the fact that the engineers calculations considered only the block above grade in the bid quantities, but the specifications state that payment is based upon all block used, both above and below grade. The cost of the overage in bid quantity is $59,130. In addition, the current MnDot specification for modular block was changed since the time the specifications were originally prepared. A higher strength block is now required since problems were experienced with the lower strength block crumbling in a number of installations. The higher strength block was used in the installation. The contractor is asking for a $1.00 per square foot increase in payment for the higher strength block. This would relate to an increase of $11,225. Finally, safety railing needs to be placed along the top of the wall where the drop exceeds a certain height, generally 3.5 to 4.0 feet. One portion of the retaining wall near Armstrong Blvd. is nearly 11 feet high. Railing was not included in the project quantities. There are several options for providing railing. The most attractive and longest service life would be black wrought iron at a cost between $40 and $50 per foot. A higher maintenance alternative might be heavy gauge chain link which has a cost range of between $9.00 and $15.00 per foot. The anticipated cost of the fence based upon the above unit prices would be between $10,000 to $50,000, however, the recommended alternative would be closer to the upper end of the range. Observation: A change order (CO) needs to be prepared detailing the necessary charges with regard to these issues. Several issues and decisions need to be addressed before the CO can be prepared. We are investigating negotiating a change in the unit bid prices. Staff will also present information on the types and location of fencing.