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Council rejects bids for Canal Trail solar lighting; directs staff to rebid with reduced scope
Summary
Council voted to reject all bids for the Canal Trail solar-lighting project after the lowest bidder proposed substandard equipment and remaining bids were over budget; staff will rebid a smaller-scope base bid with optional add-ons.
The City Council voted Dec. 17 to reject all bids for the Canal Trail solar lighting project and directed staff to rebid with a reduced scope and bid alternatives.
Public Works Director William Vai told the council that the project received a $125,000 grant from the San Joaquin River Exchange Contractors Water Authority and $325,000 was appropriated in the FY2025–26 budget. The lowest bidder proposed substitute lights and poles that did not meet specified requirements for battery capacity, quantity and warranty, and other bidders were above the budget.
Vai recommended rejecting the bids, scoping down the base bid to prioritize high-use areas (for example, the bridge crossing near the high school and Persimmon Park), and including optional bid items that could be exercised if additional grant funding becomes available. Council members discussed battery lifespan, phased installations and options to add lights later without new conduit or underground wiring because the fixtures are solar.
Council adopted Resolution 7,036 by voice vote to reject the bids and return with a rebid that focuses the base bid on higher-use segments and leaves additional lights as alternatives to be added if funding allows.
