Red Bluff approves $856,375 contract to replace deteriorating Walton Drive sewer junction

The Red Bluff City Council on May 20 approved a construction contract for the Walton Drive Sewer Junction Structure Replacement, awarding the low bid of $856,375 and authorizing a 10% contingency for unforeseen conditions.

City staff told the council the Walton Drive vault — built in the 1960s — is severely deteriorated from sewer gases and solids and carries about 95% of the city’s wastewater flow before it crosses Interstate 5 to the treatment plant. Staff said crews delayed the project through wetter months and are now moving forward because flows have dropped with drier weather.

Robin Kevin, staff member, presented the project and said the city received multiple quotes and selected the low, responsive bid from S and L Group. Kevin asked the council to authorize a contingency equal to 10% of construction costs and to empower the public works director to approve change orders within that contingency. Kevin told the council construction would start when the contractor secures Caltrans encroachment permits and required bonds; staff estimated construction could begin by July.

Mayor Pro Tem Gonzalez moved to award the contract and authorize the contingency; Council Member Cummings seconded. The motion carried on a roll-call vote recorded by the clerk as affirmative (several council members voting yes). The council did not record any amendments to the motion during the meeting.

Council and staff exchanged brief clarifying questions during the presentation about bid amounts and timing. Staff noted the work is time-sensitive because infiltration and inflow (I&I) are higher during wetter months and recent dry conditions make this the preferred construction window.

The council’s action funds the construction contract and the contingency; staff will return to administer change orders and handle required right-of-way encroachment permits with Caltrans. No schedule for project completion was provided at the meeting.