Council awards $22.8 million sewer trunk rehabilitation contract for West Trunk — authorizes contingency and budget amendment

The Modesto City Council on April 22 approved construction documents and a contract award for the West Trunk sewer rehabilitation project covering sections of Paradise Road, Grimes, Mercy, Woodland and Emerald Avenue and upsizing select mains on Coffee Road.

Christiane Chouteau, utility engineering division manager, presented the project and its scope, saying the work covers trunk pipes ranging from 12 to 54 inches in diameter and includes manhole rehabilitation or replacement where needed. Chouteau said the project was identified in the city’s wastewater master plan and that the construction contract was advertised; four bids were received and SAK Construction LLC was the lowest responsive bidder with a bid about 34.7% below the engineering estimate.

Chouteau summarized financials and schedule: the construction contract award is $22,830,295, the council authorized change orders up to a cumulative 12% of the original contract ($2,739,636) for a not-to-exceed construction payment of $25,569,931, and staff proposed a fiscal-year 2024–25 multi-year program budget amendment of $26,823,000 to fund the construction phase. She also said total anticipated project expenditures — including construction administration, city inspection and consultant support — are about $27,200,000.

Council members asked procedural and technical questions. Council Member Ray asked whether water lines run in the same location as the sewer lines and whether water mains would be inspected or replaced while trenches are open; Chouteau confirmed the systems are separated horizontally and vertically, and said water-main deficiencies in the same area would be addressed through the water master-plan projects or coordinated projects so that work is bundled where appropriate. Council Member Williams asked about restoration and paving; staff said trenches will receive proper structural backfill and that, per city standards, resurfacing or slurry topping will be required depending on the length and location of the excavation.

The council voted to approve two resolutions in a single vote: (1) approve plans and specifications and award the construction contract to SAK Construction LLC for $22,830,295 authorizing change orders up to $2,739,636 (12%) for a total not to exceed $25,569,931 and (2) amend the FY24–25 multi-year program budget by $26,823,000 to fund the construction phase. Motion by Council Member Alvarez; second by Council Member Williams. Roll call recorded ayes from Council Members Alvarez, Rickey, Williams, Wright, Escudia Brayton and Mayor Suze Wallen. The motion carried 6-0.

Ending: With the contract awarded and the budget amended, staff said construction will be scheduled and the city will coordinate inspection, construction administration and any necessary pavement restoration under city standards.