Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transportation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission pauses Kimley-Horn design work on North Washington Street amid cost concerns
Summary
A feasibility review for the North Washington Street extension produced a cost'benefit ratio below 1; commissioners directed staff to issue a stop-work letter to the consultant (Kimley-Horn) and to return with revised scope and legal guidance on reallocating bond funds.
Commissioners on Dec. 16 questioned whether continuing to spend the $1,055,000 design contract with Kimley-Horn was prudent after staff'commissioned analyses showed a cost'benefit ratio below 1 for the initially conceived project.
Staff said an alternative alignment (alternative 4) reduces estimated construction to about $3.5 million, but that even with the alternate design the cost'benefit ratio remained below 1. Commissioners pressed for a legal opinion on whether bond funds allocated for the project could be reallocated if the design did not advance to construction.
After discussion, staff agreed to issue a written stop'work notice to the consultant, cease further billable activity, and return with a revised scope and updated pricing for the alternate option, plus legal guidance on reallocating bond proceeds. Several commissioners expressed concern about paying a high design fee for a project that may not be built; staff said Kimley-Horn is amenable to scope adjustments.
