Mill Creek council accepts Weizen Construction low bid for Veterans Monument and Library Park project

The Mill Creek City Council voted 6-0 on June 9 to adopt a resolution accepting a construction bid from Weizen Construction Company Inc. for the Veterans Monument and Library Park project, authorizing a contract not to exceed $643,071.04 including taxes.

City staff presented the bid results and funding breakdown before the vote. Senior project engineer Maryam Sultani told the council that the city has $250,000 from the county, $250,260 from the Washington State Department of Commerce and a $260,000 allocation from the RPB fund, producing a total available project budget of $860,260. Executed contracts for design and wetland review totaled about $173,000; staff said remaining funds after those commitments were roughly $688,000. Bids were opened June 4; Weizen was the low responsive bidder at about $643,000 and staff recommended accepting the bid as being within the available budget.

"Our bid were bids were opened on June 4th and four bids were submitted. Weizen Construction Co. was the lowest bidder and their total of their construction cost was $643,000," Sultani said. "City staff reviewed their contractor information and they're responsive and responsible. City staff would recommend to move forward with them and accepting the bid."

A council member moved to adopt the resolution accepting the bid for a total not to exceed $643,071.04; the motion was seconded and council members spoke in support before voting. Councilmember Steckler called the project "a long arduous project" and said she was glad to see it reach this stage. The motion passed 6-0.

What the vote means: staff may proceed with contract award to Weizen Construction and begin procurement and scheduling for construction. Council did not set a specific construction start date at the meeting; staff indicated the projects are expected to be completed this year but gave no firm schedule during the presentation.

Background and budget details: Sultani summarized project needs including drainage improvements, additional memorial name space and playground upgrades. The city separated the contract into a base bid (essential features) and alternate items (benches, picnic tables and additional playground equipment) so the council can adjust scope if necessary based on funds and bid results. The presentation identified $860,260 as the total budget and roughly $173,000 in prior design and review contracts. Sultani said the combined base and alternate cost from the low bidder is within the city's remaining funds.

Next steps: Staff will move forward with contract documentation and notify the successful bidder. The council did not take additional motions to amend scope or funding at the meeting.