Yelm awards $1.04 million trail construction contract; adds construction‑management amendment

The Yelm City Council on Tuesday authorized Mayor DePinto to sign a public works agreement with BOSS Construction Inc. to build the Prairie Line Trail Phase 2B and approved an amendment to the construction‑management contract with SCJ Alliance.

The BOSS Construction bid accepted by council was $1,036,531.21; the staff presentation said roughly 80% of the project cost is covered by a Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) grant and that the project was previously budgeted and approved by council. The construction work includes carrying the trail over the Nisqually/Deschutes (Viswali) River on a trestle.

Council also approved Amendment No. 1 to the existing professional services agreement with SCJ Alliance to provide construction‑management services. The staff presentation listed a not‑to‑exceed amount for that amendment as $115,259.30; during the motion the figure was stated as $116,259.30. Staff told council the amendment is covered by the same grant funding and said the city expects to come under budget.

Council members asked why the city hires construction managers rather than using in‑house staff. City staff explained the expertise required (civil and structural engineering, full‑time on‑site inspection) and noted the city is not large enough to maintain a full in‑house team for intermittent projects; contracting for management is more cost‑effective than hiring a full team on standby.

Council moved to authorize the mayor to sign the construction agreement and to execute Amendment No. 1 to the SCJ Alliance agreement; both motions passed by voice vote. Staff said 80% of both contracts are grant funded and that the project has been budgeted in prior council action. No additional council direction or conditions for follow-up were recorded at the meeting.