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Council awards Mark Twain water distribution contract; staff cites rock-clause review and reference checks
Summary
Council authorized a $787,955 construction contract for Mark Twain water distribution improvements to the lowest responsive bidder and approved up to $25,000 in supplemental work; staff said they verified references and added a rock‑removal clause to bidding documents to set compensation terms if hard rock is encountered.
The Angels Camp City Council authorized the city administrator to execute a construction contract in the amount of $787,955 for the Mark Twain water distribution system improvement project and approved supplemental work and change orders not to exceed $25,000.
Dave, the city engineer (presenting remotely), told the council the procurement received three bids. Staff reviewed the bids, verified references for the low bidder and confirmed that the low bidder was responsible and responsive. Dave explained the bid process included an added “rock clause” that defines when a contractor would receive additional compensation for excavating hard rock; the clause was added after a pre-bid question to set expectations and avoid disputes during construction.
Councilmember Caroline Shado asked whether staff had queried other bidders about their unit pricing for rock removal; Dave said staff had followed up with the low bidder about a low unit cost and had contacted references, including a district engineer from the Groveland Community Services District who reported successful work with the contractor on a $2 million-plus mountain project and no change orders related to rock. The engineer’s estimate for rock removal unit cost cited in the discussion was about $100 per cubic yard.
Dave said the $25,000 change-order authorization is intended to give the city administrator limited administrative flexibility for routine adjustments; he characterized that amount as a placeholder to avoid repeatedly returning to council for small change orders.
Council authorized the contract and the supplemental-work authority by roll call vote.
