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Commission hears plan to rebuild Murray Lane rock wall; staff recommends waiver of competitive bidding to use Moody Grade Works
Summary
Public-works staff recommended rebuilding select sections of the historic rock wall along Murray Lane and asked the commission to allow a bid-waiver to use Moody Grade Works for phased reconstruction.
Public-works staff recommended reconstructing select sections of a historic rock wall along Murray Lane and asked the commission to permit a waiver of competitive bidding to hire Moody Grade Works, a vendor the city has used for concrete and ADA retrofit work.
Todd, a public-works staff member leading the project presentation, said the city piloted a small corner rebuild and was pleased with the result. He described the approach: “I’m proposing all existing stones that are laying out there today, kind of be gathered to build these segments,” and said crews would use dry-stack techniques rather than mortar to maintain historic character.
Staff estimated the total length to be rebuilt at about 1,500 to 1,685 linear feet across multiple median segments and gateway-style features. Todd gave a preliminary cost estimate of roughly $134,100 for an initial scope and said the work could take up to 12 months if carried out in phased segments, with individual segments completed then returned to later.
Commissioners and staff discussed details including proximity to the roadway, whether the rebuilt wall would be closer to center median or curb, and how much stone exists on-site. A commissioner raised a concern about maintaining historic construction methods; Todd replied that the contractor’s corner rebuild had removed non-native manufactured bricks and that the proposed work would emphasize dry-stacked, existing stone.
Several commissioners and a public-works engineer noted that where the wall is close to traffic, standard construction signage and cones should protect workers and that any potential code or clear-zone questions should be resolved before work proceeds. The city’s procurement and right-of-way requirements were noted but no formal contract award was made; staff asked for direction to pursue a waiver of competitive bidding and to return with a formal agreement.
Next steps: staff will proceed with scope refinement, cost verification, and a formal procurement item for the commission, including details on public-safety protections where work occurs near the roadway.
