Development Commission approves $134,129 purchase of bollard lights for West Riverwalk

The Astoria Development Commission voted Aug. 19 to authorize the purchase of 54 bollard lights for the West Riverwalk lighting project at a cost of $134,129.18.

City Manager Spence told commissioners the city solicited bids and received three qualified submissions, and that "the lowest bid was from Pacific Lamp Wholesale, and to do 54 bollard lights is $134,129.18." The procurement is intended to meet the project schedule given current lead times.

Commissioner Adams asked whether the lights were part of the earlier Oregon Community Paths/ODOT grant. Staff and Parks Director Jonah said the east-side lights were funded with a federal grant that required ODOT as the certified agency and a 10% local match; the current round used state funds with a larger (30%) match, which allows the city to use its own procurement processes and move more quickly.

Jonah showed a schematic of the project corridor from Hamburg Avenue to the Megler Bridge and described bollard siting, spacing and coordination with the trolley operation. He said the trolley association provided a letter of support for the proposed layout. Jonah also explained freight and sourcing: the wholesalers source bollards from national manufacturers, the units are heavy concrete cylinders, and freight costs and liability often make local pickup impractical.

Commissioner Brownson moved to authorize the parks department to purchase the lights from Pacific Lamp Wholesale using Astoria West Urban Renewal District funds; Commissioner Davis seconded. All commissioners present voted in favor and the motion carried.

The commission did not specify a contractor installation contract in this motion; staff said procurement of materials is the current action and that separate contracting for installation and any change orders would follow the city's contracting process.