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Council approves $826,120 contract amendment for Myra Road South Extension oversight
Summary
Council authorized a not-to-exceed $826,120 time‑and‑materials amendment with Consort North America for construction engineering support on the Myra Road South Extension project, citing WSDOT coordination and project complexity.
The Walla Walla City Council voted March 26 to authorize a $826,120 contract amendment with Consort North America, Inc. for construction engineering support on the Myra Road South Extension project.
Why it matters: Staff described the Myra Road project as large and complex, with significant interfaces with Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) standards and requirements. The contract amendment is a time‑and‑materials, not‑to‑exceed agreement to provide construction administration, special inspections (including retaining walls and cement‑amended soils), submittal reviews and additional staffing support because city engineering resources will be managing multiple concurrent projects.
What staff said: Mr. Bealey (public works/engineering staff) told council the amendment keeps the engineer of record and consultant support available through construction so staff can rely on their review of submittals and specialized inspections. He said staff expects variable monthly hours based on construction schedule and that additional funding could be requested if the construction period extends.
Council questions and direction: Council members asked whether the road will be designed for a 25‑year storm event; staff said city standard is to design for a 25‑year, 24‑hour storm for most local roads and that highway standards are typically higher. Councilors and staff discussed that the recent construction bid came in substantially below engineer’s estimate, but staff said that lower bid does not change the scope or oversight required of the engineering consultant.
Outcome: The motion to approve the amendment passed unanimously. Staff said monthly invoices will be provided and that the department will report milestones and WSDOT coordination to council as the project advances.
