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St. Clair Shores awards $1.12 million Alexander water-main contract to Murphy Pipeline
Summary
City council approved a $1,117,343 contract for replacement of a cast-iron water main on Alexander Street, selecting the second-low bidder over the apparent low bidder because of reference concerns.
St. Clair Shores City Council on Oct. 6 voted to award the Alexander Street water-main replacement contract to Murphy Pipeline Contractors for $1,117,343.
The project covers Alexander Street between Little Mack and Harper and will replace a 1928-era cast-iron main with an 8-inch PVC/HDPE line. City Engineer Mike Treckleton told the council that the work is timed to coordinate with a larger sewer-separation project and subsequent road reconstruction.
The council’s decision followed review of 14 bids. Treckleton said the apparent low bidder, Spear Contracting, provided few references and the references that were supplied were not especially positive. "They provided maybe one to two references for water-main work ... neither of those references were really particularly glowing," Treckleton said, adding the city and its engineering consultant, Hennessy, had more confidence in Murphy Pipeline’s experience and schedule performance in nearby communities.
City Manager Landon told council members he and staff had reviewed the bidder questions and concurred with the engineer’s recommendation. "We are very happy going with the second lowest bidder," Landon said.
Councilmember Roussy thanked staff for being "proactive" in vetting references and for aligning the water-main work with the larger sewer-separation schedule. Councilmember Karen reminded colleagues that the water-main work is locally funded though it is part of the broader separation project funded through a grant.
The motion to award the contract was moved and supported on the council floor; the mayor called for the vote and council members approved the award unanimously.
The contract specifies the use of directional drilling in large sections to reduce open-cut disturbance. Treckleton said the new water main will be installed over winter and tied in before the next phase of sewer work and road reconstruction. He also told the council the existing water main will remain active until crews complete the new line and make transitions to avoid long shutdowns for customers.
Council discussion touched on relative pricing: the low bid was roughly $140,000 lower than the Murphy bid, but councilmembers said experience and references were decisive factors. Treckleton said the city’s cost estimate had been about $1.1 million; the recommended award falls below that estimate.
The project is part of the city’s ongoing utility and street infrastructure program; staff said subsequent steps are scheduling and issuance of the purchase order to the contractor.
Votes at a glance: The council moved to award the Alexander Street water-main replacement to Murphy Pipeline Contractors, $1,117,343. The motion was moved by Councilmember Russi and supported by Councilmember Frederick; the council approved the award by voice vote with no recorded opposed votes.
