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Council rejects single over-budget bid for Skyline Drive storm sewer, directs redesign and rebid
Summary
The council voted to reject the lone bid for contract 2609 to replace a failed storm sewer on Skyline Drive after staff said the bid was more than double the estimate; staff will redesign to reduce excavation depth and rebid, targeting award in mid‑June to early July.
The Common Council voted to reject the single bid received for contract 2609 to replace a failing storm sewer near 2134 Skyline Drive and directed staff to redesign and rebid the project.
Max, a public works staff member, told the council the pipe through the easement had failed and created a sinkhole. Only one bid was received and it came in at more than double the project estimate; contractors cited difficult site conditions (work inside a private yard with trees and structures) and deep excavation as drivers of higher cost.
Staff proposed redesigning the project to reduce excavation depth and substitute some HDPE pipe for concrete to lower installation costs. Max said staff plans to advertise later in the week and target a contract-award meeting in mid‑June or the first meeting in July so construction can occur this summer.
Council discussion focused on whether the city could complete the work in-house (staff said the city lacks the equipment and schedule flexibility) and on timing to minimize disruption for the homeowner. The council approved the motion to reject the bid by voice vote and authorized staff to proceed with redesign and re-advertisement.
Next steps: Staff will revise the design to reduce excavation and readvertise; a future council meeting will consider the reissued bids and an award.
