Agenda - Public Works Committee - 02/16/2021

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5.05: Consider Recommending City Council Approval of Plans and Specifications and Authorization to Advertise for Bids for 2021 Crack Seal Improvements, Improvement Project #21-06 City Engineer Westby reviewed the staff report and recommendation to recommend approval of plans and specifications and authorization to advertise for bids for 2021 Crack Seal Improvements, Improvement Project #21-06 as crack sealing remains the most cost-effective maintenance operation available. Chairperson Riley noted that it is scheduled to crack seal the rejuvenated section in Stanhope and asked if that would be the intended process. City Engineer Westby noted that the projects are unrelated. He explained when the rejuvenation would typically occur and noted that once that is completed crack sealing could occur anytime. Councilmember Musgrove stated that within the case she noticed similar lengths of area with different materials proposed and asked if that is related to the age of the street. City Engineer Westby replied that the pounds of the material are adjusted based on the condition of the road. He stated that staff estimate the pounds that will be needed in order to address the disparity of the cracking. Councilmember Musgrove referenced areas within the Riverstone development, noting that those are new streets and asked how those roads would already need crack sealing. She stated that when she has driven on the roads, they look really nice and she was surprised to see them on the list. City Engineer Westby replied that staff attempts to crack seal pavements three years after construction and these roads were constructed in 2017. He commented that the cracking should be minimal, but they are attempting to be proactive in maintenance. Councilmember Musgrove asked if other areas of the City would be more in need than this newer area. City Engineer Westby replied that the primary focus is to be proactive with maintenance in order to keep the good streets good. He commented that some streets in the City are past the point of maintenance and staff will do something if they can, but the priority will remain on extending the lifespan of the new roads. Councilmember Howell asked how staff determines that quality work will be received from bids. City Engineer Westby replied that experience is the best teacher, noting that typically the City receives bids from the same contractors that they know to do a good job. He stated that if a contractor is not known, staff reaches out for input from other municipalities to determine if there have been past issues. He stated that very rarely does the City find a contractor they do not want to work with. He stated that the City is typically required to award to the low bidder. He noted that there are specifications and the minimum requirements that a low bidder must meet. Public Works Committee / January 19, 2021 Page 10 of 14