Public Works Dept.

Memo

To:                 Mike Wildgen

                      David Corliss

                      Debbie Van Saun

Terese Gorman

David Woosley

Chad Voigt    

From:            Chuck Soules

Date:            June 2, 2004      

Re:                Kasold Drive Reconstruction

 

On the City Commission agenda for June 8, 2004 is a contract with Bartlett and West Engineers to provide a pre-design report for the Kasold Drive (15th Street to Clinton Parkway) Project.  The report will provide design criteria/decisions for the entire length of the project.

 

Proposals from five engineering firms for engineering services for the reconstruction of Kasold from 15th Street to 23rd Street were received May 18, 2004.  Terese Gorman, David Woosley, Chad Voigt and myself have reviewed these proposals based on the following criteria:

 

            Commitment of staff

            Ability to perform within timeframe

            Past performance

            Previous experience w/similar work

            Work commitment that could limit performance

            Accessibility of firm’s office

            Firm’s familiarity with project area

            Firm’s knowledge of project procedures/parameters

            Firm’s consideration of project problems/issues

            Thoroughness of proposal

            Communication issues

            Ability to work with public/staff

            Professionalism, comfort level with firm

            Overhead/Costs

 

The firm of Bartlett and West Engineers is being recommended.  Bartlett and West has performed well on similar projects with the City.  They performed the engineering on the O’Connell Road project and stayed on time (schedule) with the State.  Their plans are well developed and thorough.  We do not typically receive positive comments from contractors, however the bidders on O’Connell Road did comment that the plans were complete and they had very few questions.

 

 

 

 

Bartlett and West is very accessible, and a local firm.  Their workload is such that they can meet our schedule of bidding in February/March 2005.  Their proposal was the most comprehensive and indicated that they have already spent a lot of time evaluating the various issues of the project.  Four of the five firms were estimating that this project would take between 2,500-3,000 hours to complete the final construction plans.  The other firms that submitted were:  TranSystems, HNTB, BG Consultants, and DRG Engineers.

 

The reconstruction of Kasold needs to address several issues and, therefore, a preliminary design report is necessary.  This report will answer the following issues:

 

1.          Right of way – the right of way varies throughout the project.  Knowing the limits of right of way up front will allow the City to decide on the specifics of the improvements and whether or not additional area will need to be acquired.  This will affect costs if the improvements desired require additional right of way.

2.          Survey – we are requiring a survey at this preliminary stage so that we can accurately  determine the typical section, width and identify utility issues early in the design process.

3.          Geotechnical investigation is also being required up front so that there are no surprises with any earthwork, groundwater, or utility relocations.

4.          A thorough utility investigation.  This will include meeting with utility companies to discuss options and costs for any relocations or modifications necessary.

5.          The development/design of the typical section to include subgrade, drainable base,  and a recommendation for pavement design.  The engineer will provide a recommendation for a concrete or asphalt pavement section.

6.          Traffic analysis of lane issues – providing left turning lanes at side street connections and dual left turns from Kasold onto Clinton Parkway.

7.          Sidewalks and recreation paths – the biggest issue here is whether there is sufficient right of way to accomplish this goal.  Alternatives will be developed and estimated costs for construction and right of way (if necessary) for the Commission to consider.

8.          Construction sequencing and phasing, construction timing, and access will be addressed in the pre-design report.

9.          Prior to completion of the report, a meeting with the property owners that front/ take access on Kasold will be held to discuss the impact of the project and make sure that we have identified all issues.

10.      Staff analysis of the viability of using incentives and/or liquidated damages to ensure timely completion of the project.

 

The report will be presented to the City Commission for discussion and recommendation.  The pre-design report will actually complete preliminary plans.  There will be no unknowns as final plans are drafted; the City will know of any problems and how they will be addressed.

 

The fee for completion of this report is $158,740.40.  After the report is received and direction provided, a contract for final design will be needed.

 

If there are any questions please feel free to call.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Charles F. Soules, P.E.

Director of Public Works

 

CFS/je

                                                  

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