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Committee advances $1.1M–$1.2M funding and waives low‑bid process for failing 119th & Switzer retaining wall
Summary
After engineers found new movement and cracking, staff said the stone retaining wall at 119th & Switzer needs accelerated work; the committee approved advancing the CIP project a year, increasing funding, and waiving the low‑bid requirement to use a design‑build RFP to accelerate repairs.
Staff reported fresh cracking and evidence of rotation in a stone retaining wall at the intersection of 119th and Switzer that first experienced a major failure in 2019. An engineering review confirmed movement likely worsened by the prolonged wet season; because the wall abuts private property and is near a sidewalk, staff recommended advancing the project in the Capital Improvement Program and increasing funding so design and construction can start sooner.
"Due to the degradation of the wall, we're recommending revising the scope and the timing of the project... and to authorize an increase in project funding from $200,000 to $1,200,000," Kyle said. Committee members pressed on how confident staff were that the increased amount would cover replacement; staff replied the figure is a minimum estimate and that the design‑build process will provide options and refined cost estimates. The committee approved the CIP amendment motion.
Because of constructability uncertainty and the need for speed, staff also asked the committee to waive the formal low‑bid procurement requirement and instead solicit a design‑build proposal so a designer and constructor can collaborate during design. Staff said the approach would allow faster site investigation and potentially partial repairs to extend the wall’s life if full replacement is unnecessary. The committee approved the waiver and directed staff to solicit design‑build proposals.
The committee closed the item noting the city manager confirmed available funding capacity; staff said sidewalk closures had been installed where needed for safety while the wall is monitored.
