Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Utilities Department

TO:	David Corliss Debbie Van Saun
FROM:	Chris Stewart
CC:	Bob Skinner, Philip Ciesielski
Date:	March 13, 2006
RE:	March 28, 2006  City Commission Agenda

Please include the following information on the consent agenda for the City Commission meeting of March 28, 2006.   

Phase II - Downtown Waterline Improvements - Bid Date:

Project History:  The current project includes waterline improvements along Massachusetts, from 7^th to 9^th street.   In addition to the waterline work, the Public Works and Park and Recreation Departments have included electrical and irrigation improvements on this project.

BG Consultants was retained by the Utilities Department in 2004  to complete a  preliminary design report http://www.lawrenceutilities.org/downtown.shtml) for waterline improvements along 6^th Street,  Tennessee to Massachusetts  and Massachusetts street,   6^th to North Park Street.    The plan was completed in fall of 2004 with a recommendation to improve the waterline in three years. A public meeting with the downtown association and businesses was conducted after the completion of the design report to solicit input and before the beginning of each construction phase.

The final report recommended a three phase construction schedule that included the following work:  The first phase of the project, completed in 2005, included improvements along  6^th Street, from Tennessee to Massachusetts; Massachusetts, 6^th to 7^th Street  and 7^th Street, Massachusetts to New Hampshire;  the second phase for 2006   included waterline improvements along Massachusetts,  from 7^th to 9^th  and 9^th from Vermont to Kentucky .  The segment along 9^th street has been delayed to a later date due to the cost increases and construction schedule projected in this year construction activity and the potential to add waterline improvements from Kentucky to Tennessee.  The third phase of waterline improvements in 2007 will include Massachusetts from 9^th to North Park and possibly the portion along 9^th street.  In addition to the waterline work, the contract includes electrical and irrigation  improvements  requested by Public Works and Parks and Recreation Department. 

Project Status / Details:   The plans and specifications are complete and the consultant provided a status update to the City Commission on February 28, 2006.  The City Commission provided guidance to proceed with the project as presented by the consultant.  The proposed schedule at this time:

Advertise - Week of March 13                            Bid Letting –   April 11  

Notice to Proceed  - May 22                               Begin Const – May 22

End Construction –  October 6, 2006   

Fact sheets will be mailed to each business and a public meeting will occur approximately 2 weeks before start of construction to provide business owners an opportunity to meet the contractor and discuss the project improvements / schedule.     

Project Funding: Funding for this project will come from the non-bonded construction fund for 2006 waterline improvements with participation from Public Works.  The Utility Department fund provides for approximately $1,100,000 per year for improvements to  replace aging waterlines in the Distribution system.   

The estimated cost from BG Consultants :  waterline replacement - $710,000;  street reconstruction - $148,000; electrical - $315,000; irrigation - $57,000  (total project cost estimate - $1,230,000)

Action Request:   Utilities staff request approval from the City Commission to set a bid opening date of April 11, 2006 for Phase II of the Downtown Waterline Improvement project. 

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