Philomath public works committee directs staff to issue RFP for 12th Street; 11th Street listed as alternate
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Summary
The City of Philomath Public Works Committee voted to issue an RFP for reconstruction of 12th Street with 11th Street as an alternate after engineers reported substantially higher cost estimates; staff said SDC reimbursements and grant funds can cover the work but will require reprioritizing other projects.
The City of Philomath Public Works Committee on Dec. 12 voted to direct staff to issue a request for proposals (RFP) for reconstruction of 12th Street and to include 11th Street as an alternate, after staff reported the project’s cost estimate had risen sharply from earlier Streetscapes projections.
Committee members heard from public works staff that engineering work revealed drainage, curbing and slope reconstruction needs that make the scope far larger than a simple resurfacing. “The reality is we’re moving curved lines... so it’s just a lot more work,” said a public works staff member who briefed the committee. Staff said the city has money available in System Development Charge reimbursements and that the project could be funded by shuffling the capital improvement plan or, if necessary, tapping urban renewal funds.
Why it matters: the RFP will let the city test market prices and present firm contract bids to the full council before any award. Staff told the committee that preparing and advertising the RFP will add modest costs but would not be wasted even if the council later declines a contract.
Committee members asked that bids be separated so the council can see the price to do 12th Street alone as well as the price for the combined 12th/11th scope. One member recommended the RFP include 12th Street with 11th Street as an alternate; the motion to issue that RFP was seconded by Councilor Caitlin and approved by voice vote at the committee meeting.
Funding and schedule: staff said the city has approximately $400,000 in anticipated reimbursements and other balances that could be shifted to the project, but acknowledged other projects would be pushed back or reduced. Members also discussed an existing EV charger grant tied to the work and whether the grant’s schedule required phasing parts of the project to meet deadlines.
Next steps: staff will issue the RFP with alternatives for 12th and 11th streets, return to the council with bid results and seek authorization before signing any construction contract.
