Wheeler to hire Kern/Curran McLeod for $1.4M water distribution project; contract review set for Dec. 17

City public works staff told the Wheeler City Council that the city has been awarded $1,400,000 in Safe Drinking Water loan funds to replace remaining asbestos-cement water pipe and improve distribution, and recommended awarding engineering services to Kern (Curran) McLeod.

Phil, the city's public works representative, said the project scope includes replacing approximately 4,000 feet of asbestos-cement pipe on Wheeler Heights and portions of Third Street and Rector Street and delivering design, permitting, bidding and construction-phase services. The work qualifies as an intermediate procurement (under $250,000 for consultant procurement steps) and the city solicited RFQs from three firms: HBH Engineering, PACE Engineering and Curran/Kern McLeod.

Phil recommended Curran/Kern McLeod based on a record of responsiveness and technical experience with similar coastal projects: "They've done demonstrated an unmatched level of responsiveness, technical expertise, and cost control," he said. Council members who had worked with the firms expressed support for the staff recommendation.

A motion to accept the recommendation was made and seconded; council members indicated assent and staff said final contract approval will be scheduled for the Dec. 17 council meeting when the formal agreement will be before the council for action.

The project timeline noted by staff includes completing preliminary engineering and cost estimates, obtaining permits, and moving to construction bidding; waterfront restroom bids and other related public-works items were also discussed during the meeting.

What happens next: Staff will prepare the contract with Kern/Curran McLeod and return to council for formal approval at the Dec. 17 meeting, and work will proceed in phases consistent with Safe Drinking Water loan requirements and state procurement rules.