Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Municipal Services and Operations

TO:	Thomas Markus, City Manager
CC:	Brandon McGuire, Assistant to the City Manager Dave Wagner, Director
FROM:	Charles Soules, Assistant Director
DATE:	March 5, 2019
RE:	Bowersock Dam Proposals

Background

On October 2, 2018, The City Commission authorized the City Manager to advertise a Request for Proposal (R1815) (Attachment) using an alternative delivery method for the Bowersock Dam Scour Hole Maintenance Project, CIP Project #UT1885 and Riverbank Stabilization CIP Project # PW17E9.

The City of Lawrence and Bowersock Mills & Power Company have enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship with respect to the Kansas River Dam dating back to 1872. Throughout the years, the City has completed several maintenance projects including:

	Project	Cost
2002	Bowersock Dam Repair Project (downstream apron)	$2,381,016.00
2009	Bowersock Dam Project PW0931 (upstream Dam stabilization)	$2,321,332.00
2017	Apron Repair (filled voids in downstream apron)	Approximately $30,000.00

The City budgeted in the 2018 CIP $1,000,000.00 for repairs to scour holes, (identified in the dive report as caverns) in the downstream face of the dam, CIP UT1885. Scouring occurs when water flows become turbulent, typically at the base of structures. Scouring is a washing away of structures creating a void/hole. The scour holes have been identified as a potential hazard and could be the cause of a potential dam failure.

The City also budgeted in the 2018 CIP $1,000,000.00 for Riverbank Stabilization, PW17E9. The City owns the former “Barb Wire” building currently known as Abe & Jake’s Landing. This facility is leased to the Wire Building Group LLC and the Barb Wire Building LLC. The south bank has experienced some erosion that could potentially cause problems to the foundation of this facility.

On February 5, 2019, the City approved Resolution 7281 authorizing the issuance of G.O. Debt for this project.

The RFP also included the addition of potential Recreational Features that have been proposed, specifically for the inclusion of portages for small watercraft such as kayaks and canoes, additional access for fishing opportunities, access to the river and drop structures to provide a water course for whitewater activities (Concept sketch attached).

Three proposals were received from Kissick Construction, Barcus Construction, and TSP Environmental. On-site interviews were held with all companies. A review committee including Brandon McGuire (Assistant to the City Manager), Derek Rogers (Director of Parks and Recreation), Melinda Harger (Assistant Director MSO), Matt Bond (Project Engineer), and Charles Soules (Assistant Director MSO) evaluated the proposals and interviews based on the following criteria:

Unique qualifications/Capabilities.

Project Understanding/Approach/Methodology

o Provide assumptions to proposed solutions and potential risks or unknowns that may change the scope of the proposal.

Project team/personnel including:

o Identification of persons who will be responsible and in charge of the work.

o Previous experience and work history.

o Current and projected workload and availability of project team members.

o Equipment.

Demonstrated track record of producing projects on time and within budget.

Office locations (accessibility).

Experience in:

o Working on dam structures or similar projects.

Proposed sub-consultants.

Proposed schedule/Estimated completion.

Proposed cost.

References.

Other pertinent information.

Staff Recommendation

The review committee is recommending the proposal from TSP Environmental (Attachment).

TSP Environmental submitted a thorough proposal which included all components requested. The project team includes:

Maris Inc is a Veteran-owned business focused on marine construction and operations. Maris will complete the repairs to the dam and scour holes. The company specializes in marine and underwater structural repairs.

REP – Recreational Engineering and Planning. REP is responsible for the engineering design and permits from all agencies (Corps, DWR, FERC).

TSP Environmental – Prime contractor providing general construction of the access roads, in river structures and streambank stabilization.

Staff has met with the Kansas Dept. of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism (KDWPT), State Fisheries, and U.S. Coast Guard to discuss possible participation in the cost of these improvements. All agencies expressed interest in project and the potential to fund various aspects of the project(s). Due to their fiscal year, development of a final plan and costs, and available funding, they have not made a definite commitment but have expressed that they are very interested (Letter attached).

Staff has also met with the adjacent property and business owners to discuss the impact of the project. Discussions with the Marriott and Riverfront LLC are and will be on-going with respect to increased public usage of the promenade, parking lot, and construction access.

The RFP Process included a description of the work to be preformed and a concept sketch of the recreational features. The RFP did include a cost component based on the information provided. However, a final plan for the recreational features that the City desires will be needed to determine a final cost. Additional work may also be necessary based on regulatory agency requirements/review.

TSP has provided the following breakdown:

$599,562.00 to repair the scour holes

$573,596.00 for bank stabilization

$323,195.00 for recreational features

A final engineering plan will need to be developed for regulatory permitting.

Staff is recommending that the City award a contract to TSP Environmental for the Scour Hole Repairs ($599,562.00), Bank Stabilization ($573,596.00), and engineering for a final plan for the recreational features ($62,000.00) for a total of $1,235,158.00.

By awarding the dam/scour hole repair, bank stabilization and engineering, this would provide:

Completion of the base project scope of work including the dam/scour hole repairs and bank stabilization.

Provide TSP with a defined scope of work for the Recreation aspects and develop a final cost
Additional information – construction access easements will be needed from the parking lot east of the Riverside Mall. Future pedestrian access and maintenance/upkeep of this area and/or the promenade may also be needed. These issues will be resolved when the final recreational plan is completed.

Provide a base contract with TSP to begin work developing a plan and obtaining agency approvals. In order for this project to proceed during low flows (fall), the permitting process needs to begin. Permitting will probably take at least 6 months.
A final plan for agency permitting
A final plan for KDWPT and the Coast Guard to commit funding. Both agencies may require certain improvements that must be included in order to receive funding. An example is the Coast Guard has already conveyed that a portage is needed both upstream and downstream of the dam.

The final river access and recreational plan, KDWPT and Coast Guard funding commitment and any additional easements/agreements with a final cost will be presented to the City Commission as a Change Order for approval.

Proposed Schedule:

March 5, 2019	City Commission Award
Spring/Summer	Plan development/Permitting
August/September	C.O. and Funding
September – December	Construction

Respectfully Submitted,