Waukee concurs with Clive on Mainline Construction contract for Alice’s Road phase 1B

Waukee city staff presented plans and the council voted to approve project documents and concur with Clive’s recommended award of the Alice’s Road Improvements phase 1B contract to Mainline Construction of Des Moines for $2,611,078.91.

Rudy outlined the project scope: reconstructing Alice’s Road from a two-lane rural section to a four-lane boulevard with concrete pavement, a concrete trail, pedestrian ramps, subgrade stabilization, pavement marking, storm sewer and water-main installation, a joint utility trench, erosion and traffic control and service restoration. He said the total cost estimate for phases 1A and 1B is $7,150,000 and that Waukee has budgeted approximately $4,100,000 in the draft CIP to cover its share of both phases.

Rudy told council the bid range received by Clive ran from about $2.6 million to $3.7 million, with the engineer's estimate at $2,392,000; Mainline’s low bid was roughly 10% over the engineer’s estimate but the city recommended concurring with the award because Mainline had been a subcontractor on phase 1A and staff expects it to meet obligations. Rudy also described liquidated damages of $1,500 per calendar day past the contract completion date and said Waukee participates in weekly onsite meetings with Clive’s contractor and construction observer to coordinate utilities and performance.

Council asked about prior performance and enforcement mechanisms; Rudy said there was a period during phase 1A where the underground contractor was absent and that liquidated damages and contract administration provide the tools to enforce timelines; he noted Waukee is involved operationally but Clive is the contracting authority for this bid. The council approved the plans, specifications and estimate; and concurred with the award to Mainline Construction by recorded vote.

Next steps: Clive, as the contracting authority, will finalize the contract and Waukee staff will continue weekly coordination to monitor schedule, utilities and quality assurance.