Public Works Commission recommends Mars Construction for Military and Altamont stormwater work

The Roseburg Public Works Commission voted to recommend that City Council award the Military and Altamont Stormwater Improvement Project to Mars Construction, whose low bid totaled $117,710.

Justin Brenner, a newly hired civil engineer who presented the item, said the work responds to drainage deficiencies in the Military Avenue and Altamont Street area and is intended to “limit those ponding events and to direct the storm water to our storm water system.” He described the project as roughly 425 lineal feet of storm drainage pipe with two new manholes and site improvements to reroute runoff to the existing system.

Brenner told commissioners the city advertised the project on Oct. 16 and opened six bids on Nov. 5; “the low bidder was Mars Construction and they had a total bid amount of $117,710.00,” he said. His in-house estimate had been roughly $160,650; city budgeted $125,000 in the stormwater drainage fund for the work. Using a roughly 10% contingency on the low bid, staff estimated a total project cost of about $129,481.

During questions, a commissioner asked where Altamont is located; Brenner replied, “Altamont is near Brown Street…it's on the eastern side of Military.” Commissioners requested that a map be included in future packets so members can better visualize project locations.

Staff recommended awarding to Mars Construction because the firm submitted the lowest responsive bid and the funds are budgeted in the stormwater drainage fund. If Council approves the award at its December meeting, the notice to proceed would be issued in December 2024 and the contract allows 60 days for completion, with weather-related flexibility built into the schedule.

The commission moved, seconded and carried the recommendation to forward the award to City Council for final approval.