Agenda - Public Works Committee - 08/21/2001

Home

UPDATE ON ALPINE DRIVE PROPOSAL PROJECT #99-51, By: Steven J. Jankowski, City Engineer P.W. CASE Background: At the Juty Public Works Committee meeting, staff reported that several issues associated with the construction of this project would require a change order increasing the project cost by over $100,000. Staff was directed to request a letter of explanation from our Engineering Consultants on the project, RLK, Inc. The City Attorney was also requested to comment on the legal aspects associated with these issues.- Attached is a letter from RLK, Inc. There are three major issues: (1) an over run on the plan quantities of modular block associated with the retaining and turtle walls, (2) an increase in the unit price of the cost of the module block due to changed specifications, and (3) the addition of safety fencing at the top of the modular block wall. RLK's position is that the proposed change order costs for the items under estimated or overlooked in the bidding documents are within the prices that could reasonably be expected for these items and that they are necessary for the completion of the project. In a phone conversation with Mr. Gary Brown of RLK, Inc., he stated that it was RLK's desire that the City should pay no more than it would have paid if the actual quantities had been the bid quantities. ..~. The purpose of this cas~ is two fold. First, the City must resolve our issues with RLK over the overages and omissions in the original contract documents. Staff is still awaiting the City Attorney's comments on this issue. A second and more time sensitive issue involves item No. 3 above, the placement of the fencing. The project is proceeding such that the road could be opened to traffic on or about Labor Day. However, safety concerns, particular in the first 400 feet east of Armstrong Blvd. where there is up to a ten foot grade difference between the top of the retaining wall and the grade below, would prevent opening this road section without some additional measures to ensure public safety The City could open the road to traffic and place type '3 barricades with signs stating the trail is closed. The condition would be maintained until the permanent railing is in place. As an extra measure of safety, plastic orange construction fencing could be placed behind the curb, preven, ting the public from getting within ten feet of the retaining wall. Alternatively, the City can delay the road opening until the fencing is installed by maintaining the Class III barricade across both ends of the project. If the fencing would be author/zed through a change order, the fencing could be anticipated to be in place by mid September. If the fencing is to be competitively bid and installed subsequent to an additional contract and additional month can be anticipated over the change order schedule date.