Council exempts competitive bidding for Lake Park improvements, approves CM/GC delivery

The City Council voted to exempt the Lake Park Improvements project from competitive bidding and approved proceeding with a construction-manager/general-contractor (CM/GC) procurement.

City Manager presented the staff report explaining that Oregon Revised Statutes permit alternative procurement methods and that the CM/GC approach allows the city to issue an RFP, score proposals on qualifications and price, then work with the selected contractor to refine pricing and value-engineer the project. "We're recommending that council pass a motion to exempt the city from competitive bidding for the Lake Park Improvements project and proceed with using a construction manager, general contractor to deliver the project," the City Manager said.

Staff said CM/GC is recommended because the park project is time-sensitive and complex; the method allows use of 50% to 70% design documents, phasing plans to preserve access during events such as the Strawberry Festival, and real-time pricing for allowances that can be returned to the city if unused. The City Manager cited past use of the method on the Westside interceptor and the Water Treatment Plant and said the Westside project saved about $2 million by allowing allowances and value engineering.

No members of the public testified for or against the item during the public hearing. Councilors expressed support and noted prior successful use of the method. A motion to approve the exemption passed with an affirmative vote.

Staff will advertise an RFP for CM/GC services and follow the statutory posting and procurement steps required by Oregon law.