The Joe Farmer Recreation Center was built in 1996, with public entrance made possible on the north and south sides of the building by way of elevated walkways.  Today, these walkways are of completely original construction with walking surfaces of cast-in-place concrete over a metal sub-decking and steel truss support structure.

Over many years, during periods of winter sleet and ice, staff had to "de-ice" the walkways with commonly-used sodium chloride granules.  Though the granules helped to make these entrances safe, the chemicals in the de-icer began to corrode the steel understructure.  Today, the corrosion throughout the walkways is not only unsightly, but is also significant enough to cause concern about the long-term integrity of the structures.  Compounding this is the discovery that the supporting piers under each walkway are not solid reinforced concrete shafts, but rather are concrete masonry blocks assembled in a hollow, rectangular "box."  In the past few years, cracking of some of these masonry blocks has been observed, indicating structural stress.

The City hired an engineering consultant to evaluate the structures, and their findings indicated that the walkways should be demolished and replaced, due to continuing degradation of the structure.  The consultant was subsequently hired to design new walkways.  The new design includes new reinforced concrete piers, concrete beams, PermaTrak deck planks similar to the elevated walkway at the Historic Dam, and new railings and lighting.

A pre-bid conference was conducted at 10:00 am on Wednesday, January 3, 2018, with representatives from seven (7) bidders in attendance.  Attendees were informed at the meeting that a maximum construction funding of $600,000 would be identified for the project, and that bids less than that amount would be favorable to allow for contingencies.

The Purchasing Division received five (5) responses to Bid # 2018-12-11 on January 11, 2-18.  Staff believes it is in the City's best interest to award the contract to the lowest price qualified bidder, Williams & Frost Specialty Group, LLC who submitted the shortest calendar day schedule and has a headquarter office in Allen.  Williams & Frost is the only bidder to submit a bid less than the stated $600,000 cost threshold posted in the online bid package and stated at the project pre-bid meeting.

BID 2018-12-11

A total project budget of $700,000 ($600,000 for construction and $100,000 for professional services) is available in non-bond funds.

Award Bid and Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract with Williams & Frost Specialty Group, LLC, for the Construction of the Joe Farmer Recreation Bridges Replacement Project in the Amount of $466,289.

I make a motion to authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with Williams & Frost Specialty Group, LLC, for the construction of the Joe Farmer Recreation Bridges Replacement Project in the Amount of $466,289.