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Pgs. 58-63

City Council - Regular Meeting

Meeting Date:

06/14/2023

Item Title: Heritage Square Bid Award

Submitted For:

Andy Coleman

Financial Comments:

Contract amount: $2,652,000
Construction budget: $2,675,000

All Contracts:
Yes

Federally funded contracts only:
Yes

Construction contracts only:
Yes

Brief Summary of Requested Action:

Award bid for the construction of Heritage Square to ESF Solutions, LLC in the amount of $2,652,000

Information

HISTORY:

WHAT IS THIS CONTRACT FOR? This is a contract for construction of Heritage Square Park in order to carry out the park design that was developed through an extensive public input process in 2018. The need for this project has been identified in the 2004 Downtown Master Plan and the 2018 City Comprehensive Plan.

WHY IS IT NEEDED? The current park is underutilized due to many design challenges that exist. The new reconstructed park will create a public gathering space that is inviting and accessible to all; provide a site for public presentations, performing art, recreation classes and other programs; serve as a venue for passive recreation.

PROJECT INFORMATION/DETAILS: This project will completely rebuild the 3/4 acre park on Main Street in downtown (see attached concepts). The project will include a stage, stage canopy, new restroom, hardscape, lawn area, benches, trees and multiple planting areas.

BIDDING DETAILS: The project was originally bid in January of 2023 and the bids came in over the allocated budget. City Council rejected bids at their meeting on January 8, 2023. Staff then worked with the design team to identify some valuable engineering opportunities. Staff then proceeded with the rebid of the project.

On April 18, 2023 a notice of call for bids was placed in the Walla Walla Union Bulletin. Bids were opened on Wednesday, April 10, 2023, at 1:30 p.m. The low bidder was ESF Solutions, LLC who provided a base bid of $2,512,000 and an alternate bid (stage shade canopy) of $140,000. Staff have reviewed the contractor's qualifications and found them to be qualified and their bid to be fair and reasonable. See attached bid abstract for a breakdown of bids received for the project.

Staff is recommending City Council award the base bid and bid alternate #1 (stage shade canopy). The total of the base bid and the alternate bid come in within the allocated project budget.

POLICY ISSUES:

Contracts greater than $50,000 require City Council approval

PLAN COMPLIANCE:

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN:

Community Character Policy 4.1: Carefully protect and enhance Downtown’s visual character, the most important single aspect of the city’s identity, through historic preservation activities, complementary infill development, and sensitively designed public works.
Land Use Policy 1.6: Develop Walla Walla’s downtown in a way that encourages sustainability and supports community vitality.
Economic Development Policy 6.2: Encourage Downtown’s continued revitalization through appropriate development, redevelopment, and rehabilitation.
Economic Development Policy 8.2: Maintain and improve the built environment of sidewalks, parks, paths and other public amenities that visitors will enjoy and utilize.
Parks & Recreation Policy: 1.9 Evaluate existing parks and facilities to maximize efficient maintenance and operating practices and improve safety and accessibility for all users.

ALTERNATIVES:

Council could choose to only award the base bid or choose to reject all bids

STAFF RECOMMENDATION:

City Council award the construction bid to ESF Solutions, LLC

CITY MANAGER COMMENTS:

Concur with the staff recommendation and approved for City Council action.

Attachments

Res 2023-063

Bid Abstract

Design Renderings