City of Lawrence

Utilities Department 

MEMORANDUM

TO: David Corliss, ACM, Administrative Services;

Debbie Van Saun, ACM, Community Development Services

FROM: Chris Stewart

CC: Roger Coffey, Michael Tubbs, Bob Skinner

DATE: February 3, 2005

RE:                  6th Street Waterline Improvements

Please include the following item on the consent agenda for the February 8, 2005 City Commission meeting.

Set Bid Date for Downtown Waterline Improvements:

Project History The current project includes waterline improvements along 6^th Street, from Tennessee to Massachusetts; and Massachusetts, 6^th to 7^th Street and 7^th Street, Massachusetts to New Hampshire. A preliminary design report was completed by BG Consultants to develop a phase construction plan for the downtown waterline improvements along Massachusetts and a portion of 6^th street.  The plan was completed in fall of 2004 with a recommendation to improve the waterline in three phases. A public meeting with the downtown association and businesses was conducted after the completion of the design report to solicit input.

A three phase construction schedule includes the following improvements:  The first phase is the current project as described above;  the second phase in 2006 will include waterline improvements along Massachusetts,  from 7^th to 9^th and  9^th from Vermont to Kentucky; the third phase of waterline improvements in 2007 will include Massachusetts from 9^th to North Park. In addition to the waterline work, the contract includes electrical,  lighting and irrigation  improvements  requested by Public Works and Parks and Recreation Department. 

Project Status / Details:

The design and internal review for the first phase is complete.  We are waiting for permits from the railroad and KDOT for crossing 6^th Street and the spur track.  The notice to proceed will not be provided until we receive the permits.  Contact has been made by the consultant and preliminary information suggests that the permits should be available prior to the bid opening for the waterline work.  This will require execution of an agreement and payment to the railroad for the crossing. The consultant has considered other events for the downtown area in the development of the specifications.  Projects such as the mill and overlay along  6^th street; the sidewalk sale and the KU bike racing event.   The proposed schedule for the work at this time:

Advertise -  February 9^th:                                  Bid Letting - March 1^st

Notice to Proceed  - March 22^nd                          Begin Const – March 28^th

End Construction – August 2005   

This schedule is contingent upon the paperwork execution and receipt of the permits. Upon selection of the contractor, we will provide another opportunity for the downtown businesses to meet the contractor and discuss the project improvements. 

Project Funding: 

Funding for this project will come from the non-bonded construction fund for 2005 waterline improvements.  This fund provides approximately $1,000,000 per year for improvements for replacement of aging waterlines in the Distribution system.

Action Request.  The Utilities Department is seeking approval from the City Commission to set a bid date for the first phase of the downtown waterline improvements for  March 1, 2005.

 Thank you for your assistance.  Please advise if you have any questions.