Board authorizes JLB to proceed with Magnolia Run drainage work and extends minor-construction contract

The Long Beach Board of Aldermen voted Dec. 17 to extend JLB's small-construction-services contract and to authorize JLB to perform off-site drainage work for the Magnolia Run project under that minor-contract allowance.

City engineer David told the board that engineers and developers have prepared plans and JLB produced an attached cost estimate under the existing minor-services contract. "JLB took those plans and prepared the attached estimate of their cost under the terms of that minor services contract," David said during discussion. He recommended proceeding under the minor-services contract to avoid a separate procurement, adding that, if the board chose not to use that avenue, the city would need to procure the work through a formal bid process.

Why it matters: the board previously approved funding adjustments for the project and staff said the estimate is in line with those approvals. Extending JLB's minor-contract authorization lets the city move quickly while staying within the previously approved funding.

The board split the engineering item into two votes: (1) an extension to JLB's minor-services contract to cover small construction projects, and (2) approval for JLB to perform the Magnolia Run construction work. Both motions passed on voice votes. City staff said the project remains within the available funding sources identified in prior meetings.

Next steps: engineering will move forward under the minor-services contract and oversee the work. If the board later decides not to proceed under the minor-services contract, staff indicated a formal procurement would be required.