Minutes - Public Works Committee - 03/21/2000

Home

Motion by Councilmember Hendriksen, seconded by Chairperson Zimmerman, to forward the item to the City Council and conduct a public hearing notifying the neighborhood of the request. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Councilmember Zimmerman, and Councilmember Hendriksen. Voting No: None Case #2: Consider Selection of Engineer to Coordinate Water Utility Projects and Design Well House and Connecting Watermains City Engineer Jankowski stated that the City has a number of water utility projects scheduled and underway for the 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. The Committee was presented a copy of the Request for Proposals that was sent to three firms: Bolton and Menk, Inc., Hakanson Anderson Associates, and John Oliver & Associates. Two of the firms 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 the City's water utility. The City has already entered into contracts with E.H. Renner for the design of the well and AEC Engineering for the design of the water tower. Both of these firms were selected by the City because of their expertise in those areas. 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 firm to establish reasonable budget constraints and a budget overview process. Councilmember Hendriksen inquired if all three firms could serve the project well. City Administrator Norman replied yes, but noted Bolton and Menk, Inc. had done a good job with completing the analysis of the City's water utility. City Engineer Jankowski stated that his recommendation would be to go with Bolton and Menk, Inc. since they are already familiar with the City's water utility and they have an architect already on hand. City Administrator Norman suggested that the Committee select a consultant to begin the process of negotiating the budget. Public Works Committee/March 21, 2000 Page 3 of 8