Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Utilities Department

TO:	David Corliss Debbie Van Saun Bobby Walthall
FROM:	Jim Stuit
CC:	Dave Wagner Alan Landis Michael Tubbs
Date:	December 5, 2005
RE:	December 13, 2005 Agenda Item

Please include the following item on the City Commission consent agenda for consideration at the December 13, 2005 meeting:

Reject November 15, 2005 bids for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Manhole Replacement Project  (Proj # II05-04) and set a new bid date of January 10, 2006

Project History.  Inspections reveal that a key manhole located at the entrance to the Wastewater Treatment Plant is deteriorating due to age and the concentration of hydrogen sulfide.  The Utilities Department solicited engineering proposals for completing technical specifications and construction phase services for replacement of the manhole.  BG Consultants was awarded the project based on qualifications, approach, schedule and cost.

Project Status.  Bids were opened on November 15, 2005. The results and the Engineers estimate are shown below:

Engineer’s Estimate	$30,000
Bid (Meadows Construction)	$67,730

The Project Engineer (BG Consultants) has recommended rejection of the sole bid and suggests bidding at a later date when bids may be more competitive.  The Utilities Department will monitor the condition of the manhole until it is replaced.

Project Details.  The existing manhole will be removed and replaced with a new manhole that is more conducive to inspection and sampling.  The new manhole will be larger in diameter and will be coated with protective material to prevent deterioration.

Project Funding.  This project will be funded (cash financed) from the Water and Sewer non-bonded construction fund.

Action Request.  Utility Department staff requests approval from the City Commission to reject the sole November 15, 2005 bid and to set a new bid date of January 10, 2005 for this project.