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Red Bluff council rejects splash-park bids, directs staff to downsize and re-bid
Summary
Councilors unanimously moved to reject construction bids for the River Bluff River Park splash park after staff said bids exceeded available grant funding by roughly $1,000,000; staff were authorized to reduce scope to fit a $2 million construction envelope and re-advertise.
The Red Bluff City Council voted unanimously Feb. 17 to reject all construction bids for the River Bluff River Park rehabilitation project, including the planned splash park, after staff told the council the low bids exceeded the project’s available construction funds by about $1,000,000.
Robin Kaufman, the city staff member presenting the item, said the city received two responsive bids but that “the total construction cost of the bids was over $1,000,000 higher than the grant funds we have available for the construction of the project.” Kaufman told the council the city has about $2,000,000 available for construction from a $3,000,000 grant award and that roughly $1,000,000 of the grant has already been spent on design, environmental clearances and the pre-purchase of long-lead items such as a premanufactured restroom.
Council members pressed staff on timing and scope. Kaufman said her goal was to have a repackaged solicitation ready “within the next probably 60 days,” while noting state sign-off will be required on any scope changes. Public-works staff and the city manager said some elements of the design would need to be updated and that certain grant-required items must remain.
After discussion, Mayor Pro Tem Mark Clement moved to reject the bids; Cassie Pope seconded. There was no public comment. The motion passed on a roll-call vote with all members voting yes. The council then voted unanimously to authorize staff to work with the project’s design team to reduce the scope so the project fits the available construction budget and to re-advertise for bids; staff will return to council to award the contract when compliant bids are received.
The council and staff described the next step as producing a phase 1 package that can be completed with the grant funding and pursuing additional grants or community-donated items to fund later phases. Kaufman said the city will also look for cost-saving engineering and possible overlaps with the concurrent Rio Street sewer project that might reduce construction costs.
The council’s actions were limited to rejecting the current bids and directing scope adjustments; no contract award was made.
