Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Works topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Rowlett okays engineering contract for Lake Bend Estates screening wall; staff warns of higher engineered cost
Summary
Council approved a $128,400 professional services agreement for an engineered 1,850-foot screening wall in Lake Bend Estates; consultants estimated construction at roughly $1.4M, while a single contractor quote suggested ~$500K but lacked subsurface work and extended warranties.
Council approved a professional-services agreement with DCCM Infrastructure (formerly Binkley Barfield) for the design, geotechnical borings and bid-phase support of a proposed 1,850-foot screening wall in Lake Bend Estates for a not-to-exceed design fee of $128,400. Staff and the consultant stressed the difference between an engineered design (with deep piers to bedrock, subsurface utility engineering, easement work and longer warranties) and a quick-build contractor quote that would include fewer subsurface tests and a shorter warranty.
Richard Arvizu, a geotechnical engineer, explained that borings identify bedrock depth to design appropriate piers and foundations; he said designs typically target foundations to bedrock and recommended SUE (vacuum excavations) where gas lines might be present. The consultant—stimated an opinion-of-probable-cost near $1.4M (including landscaping, sidewalk repair contingencies and cast-stone entry features); staff noted they had received one contractor quote near $500K but said the proposal lacked the same subsurface and warranty provisions. Council approved the design agreement unanimously and asked staff to proceed with survey, SUE work and potential easement clarifications.
