Council awards $3.43 million contract for Rancho Mirage Community Park parking expansion after low‑bid withdrawal

The Rancho Mirage City Council on July 17 approved a construction contract for the Rancho Mirage Community Park expansion project following a low‑bid withdrawal and evaluation of responsive bidders.

Assistant City Manager Ryan Stendell summarized the multi‑year effort to add approximately 2.75 acres adjacent to the park for about 152 additional parking spaces, eight electric vehicle charging stations, 12 handicap spaces, improved sidewalks, lighting and pedestrian safety features including an all‑way stop at San Jacinto and Button and high‑visibility crosswalks.

Stendell said the public bidding process initially produced five bids; the apparent low bidder subsequently exercised the statutory five‑business‑day withdrawal. Staff evaluated the remaining bids and recommended awarding the contract to Universal Construction & Engineering of Palm Desert, whose bid closely matched the engineer’s estimate. The recommended contract amount is $3,430,057.39. The project includes conduit and other work to make the site solar‑ready.

A resident speaker urged delay to allow more public notice; council discussion noted the procurement code allows withdrawal and the next lowest responsive bidder may be awarded. Councilor Downs moved to find the project exempt under CEQA (citing Guidelines sections 15061(b)(3), 15304 and 15332 as applicable classes), consent to the bidder withdrawal under Public Contract Code section 5103, and approve the construction agreement with Universal Construction & Engineering for $3,430,057.39. The motion passed 5‑0.

Ending: The council authorized the contract award and directed staff to proceed with construction; funds are available in the FY 2025‑26 capital improvements project budget.