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Adelanto council awards Auburn Avenue sewer contract after debate over low bid
Summary
Council approved a $675,547 construction contract with High Desert Underground to replace a sagging sewer main under State Highway 395. Council discussed a substantial gap between the low bid and the engineer’s estimate ($998,000) and reaffirmed contingency and change‑order controls.
The Adelanto City Council voted on Feb. 12 to award a construction contract to High Desert Underground for the Auburn Avenue sewer improvement project (Capital Improvements 2024‑10), despite concerns from one council member about a low bid.
Richard (city engineering staff) told the council the project will install a new sewer pipeline under State Highway 395 using a steel casing and a 15‑inch sewer inserted into the casing; anticipated depths are roughly 12–15 feet from existing pavement to the crown of the casing. The project was advertised Dec. 16, 2024, and bids opened Jan. 21. High Desert Underground submitted the low bid of $675,547, well below the city engineer’s estimate of about $998,000.
Councilmember Evans pressed staff on the risk that an unusually low bid can lead to later change orders and higher final costs. City engineering staff replied that the city uses an engineer’s cost estimate, performs multiple internal reviews of bid packages, and enforces inspection and time‑and‑material practices on change orders to limit unwarranted increases. The city attorney reminded the council that public‑works law generally requires awarding to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder unless the city can prove incapacity in a formal hearing.
After discussion the mayor moved to award the contract and authorize the city manager to execute it; Councilmember Mesa seconded. The roll call vote was 4–1 (yes: Mesa, Updegrove, Mayor Pro Tem Ramos, Mayor Reyes; no: Evans). Councilmember Evans said she opposed awarding to a bidder that was “$230,000 under the next lowest bidder” without stronger assurances, citing past projects where low initial bids were followed by change‑order increases.
What happens next: staff will notify the contractor and proceed with mobilization; the city will apply the standard 10% contingency for construction projects and said it will scrutinize any change orders through inspection and engineering review.
