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Rio Rancho approves nearly $8 million in design and construction contracts and amends city manager contract
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Summary
The governing body approved design and construction awards: Rainbow Boulevard design to HDR ($2,499,440.90), 19th Avenue NE reconstruction to Compass ($2,487,054.57) and aquatic center dehumidification to Alrite ($2,976,511.50); the council also approved a tenure-based amendment to City Manager Geisel's employment contract.
At a single meeting the Rio Rancho governing body approved three infrastructure and facilities contracts totaling $7,963,006.97 and adopted an amendment to the city manager’s employment contract.
Director Gottlendt presented the Rainbow Boulevard Connection Design Project (between Southern Boulevard and Irving Boulevard) and recommended awarding the design contract to HDR Engineering, Inc. for $2,499,440.90, saying the amount “includes New Mexico gross receipts taxes.” He described the work as mapping right-of-way needs, developing environmental documents and producing a phased design that would support eligibility for future construction funding. Gottlendt said the authorization covers design only and the city will seek phased construction funding in the future.
Gottlendt also requested award of the 19th Avenue Northeast Reconstruction Project (between 10th Street NE and Cherry Road) to Compass Engineering and Construction Services LLC for $2,487,054.57 (including GRT). He said the contractor will perform full-depth pavement repairs, install a new water line, upgrade curb ramps to ADA compliance, install drainage improvements and update traffic signage; the project is anticipated to start in October and last about six months.
On the Aquatic Center dehumidification and repair work, Gottlendt proposed awarding the contract to Alrite Construction for $2,976,511.50 (including GRT). He said the existing HVAC dehumidification system is at the end of its useful life and is no longer compliant with EPA refrigerant requirements; the project is funded in the FY25 budget. Gottlendt said the work would begin with pool draining and that the center would be closed for about six weeks beginning Sept. 15; City Manager Geisel said Rainbow Pool will be opened for lap swimming during that closure.
Separately the council approved R97, a tenure-based amendment to City Manager Geisel’s employment contract. Geisel requested two changes: a longevity pay of $1,000 per year (earned across pay periods) based on cumulative tenure at the 10-year threshold, and a sick-leave conversion benefit tied to 15 years of cumulative tenure, which would apply only upon separation in good standing; Geisel noted he expects to reach the 15-year threshold in November 2026.
All motions for the three contract awards and the city manager amendment passed unanimously.
Why it matters: the design award for Rainbow Boulevard begins planning for a major north-south connection; the 19th Avenue and aquatic center projects address needed street reconstruction and a failing HVAC system at a city facility. The manager contract amendment sets modest tenure-based benefits and includes an eligibility date for sick-leave conversion.
What’s next: awarded contractors will move forward with design and preconstruction phases. The aquatic center will close around Sept. 15 for approximately six weeks with Rainbow Pool offered for lap swimming during the closure.
