RTC approves Appian Way signal contract over bid increases; Commissioner Novak votes no

The Carson City Regional Transportation Commission voted 4-1 on a contract award to install a traffic signal at the Appian Way intersection, with the motion carried contingent on the Board of Supervisors programming additional funding and the public works director being authorized to approve a 10% construction contingency.

The matter prompted questions from commissioners about cost increases and whether developers would be asked to contribute more after bids came in significantly above estimates. “This is — I mean, we missed the bid estimate by 30 something percent,” Commissioner Novak said during the meeting, expressing skepticism about using additional public funds for the signal.

Commissioner Dodson moved to award the contract as presented and to make the contingency and contract-compensation adjustments described in the motion; the commission seconded the motion and proceeded to a roll call vote. Chair Bagwell announced, “Let the record reflect that we had 1 no by Mr. Novak,” and the motion carried.

Casey Sylvester, Carson City transportation and traffic engineer, told the commission the project is funded partly by developer contributions already collected and partially by federal funds. Sylvester added that some additional contingency funding would require the Carson City Board of Supervisors to program unspent development-related funds before they could be applied to the project.

Commissioners discussed two close bids and differences in how bidders allocated costs, with concerns about construction impacts on traffic. “I would think constructing this thing is going to have some impact to traffic during construction,” one commissioner said, urging attention to traffic-control timing and peak-hour restrictions. Sylvester noted the apparent difference in bidders’ line-item allocations for traffic control as a potential positive for construction safety.

The motion authorized the district attorney’s office to adjust contract compensation terms to conform with the board’s action and authorized the public works director to approve up to a 10% contingency if needed. The vote tally was 4 yes, 1 no.

The commission’s approval is contingent on the Board of Supervisors formally allocating the additional funds needed to cover the bid gap before the contract award is finalized.

Votes at a glance: Appian Way intersection contract — outcome: approved (4–1); recorded no vote: Commissioner Novak.

The commission moved on to other agenda items after the vote; staff said they will pursue required Board of Supervisors funding and manage construction timing to limit traffic disruption where possible.