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Commission rejects library ramp bids, staff will rebid after grant extension
Summary
Commission voted to reject bids for the City Library ramp (Bid 962) after staff reported bids exceeded estimates; staff said a $20,000 grant can be extended and additional funding may be available before rebidding in winter/spring.
City staff reviewed two rounds of bids for the City Library ramp project and recommended rejecting the bids and rebidding with a modified scope and additional alternates. Staff noted the project was redesigned to lower cost; initial bids ranged $335,530–$414,437, and a narrowed‑scope rebid produced a single bid at about $222,000, above staff estimates.
Library staff reported the grant that had constrained the earlier schedule can be extended: “the current grant… will be able to be extended” so the use deadline moves from March 2025 to April 2026, and staff said they may pursue additional round‑3 funding to expand the grant award. That extension gave staff confidence to recommend rejecting bids again and rebidding at a later date to draw more local bidders.
Commissioners discussed bid timing, advertising strategies (including using Quest and local builders exchanges) and options such as bidding with alternates for handrails, lights or conduit to increase flexibility. The commission voted to reject Bid 962 and re‑advertise; staff said they will work with other city departments to keep the ramp safe until a contractor can complete the work.
