To: Honorable Mayor and Members of Town Council
From: Jeff Brauer, Interim Parks and Recreation Director
Title
Resolution: Approving a Design / Build Contract with Sabell’s Enterprises for the Wolfensberger Bridge Project
Body
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Executive Summary
The purpose of this agenda item is to present a design / build contract with Sabell’s Enterprises for the Wolfensberger Pedestrian Bridge Project. Town staff is recommending approval of the project for the 2015 budget year.
The Wolfensberger Pedestrian Bridge Project will connect Philip S. Miller Park and Ridgeline Open Space creating a continuous 17-mile native surface trail on a combined 650 acres. This important connection will provide a safe, grade separated crossing between the properties, create a gateway into Castle Rock and provide the ability to move special events from Bison Park and the surrounding neighborhoods over to Philip S. Miller Park. This connection is also an important component of a large future trail loop connecting the East Plum Creek Trail with The Meadows neighborhoods and Downtown Castle Rock.
A design / build contract was selected to deliver the project, which is based upon a preliminary design drafted by park staff and reviewed by Public Works. The project will include a 155’ long, core ten steel, underhung arch pedestrian bridge that is designed to span a regional drainage swale and Wolfensberger Road, both at its present and future widened condition. The bridge is similar in appearance to the Crystal Valley Parkway pedestrian bridge except it is 25’ longer and will have a weathering steel finish to match the natural character of the surrounding open space.
This project is currently not budgeted in 2015 but was identified as one of the highest priority projects for 2016 at the January 27, 2015 Town Council discussion with regards to the proposed additional financial strategic priorities. It was recommended that this project be funded with the allocated annual trail construction allocation from the Transportation Fund and the remaining unexpended funds from the 2014 budget for the Ridge Road and Crowfoot Valley /Founders sidepath projects and unobligated General Fund reserves.
Town staff is presenting the project for Town Council consideration in 2015 instead of 2016 because there are cost savings, logistical and customer service reasons for accelerating the schedule.
The Finance Department has reviewed the budget and the General Fund has sufficient expenditure appropriation for 2015 to enter into the contract for this project, if Council chooses to proceed in 2015 with construction. However, since this is an unbudgeted project for 2015, a budget amendment will be required to accommodate project expenditures. By funding this project in 2015, there will be no annual trail improvement expenses budgeted in 2016.
If approved, bridge construction would begin in late August and be complete by the end of 2015. If Council chooses not to accelerate the contract, work will begin in January 2016 and be complete by May or June 2016. Staff is recommending approval of the design / build contract with Sabell’s Enterprises.
Staff is also requesting Town Council direction on the following two options that include:
Option 1: Proceed with the base bid condition of standard concrete bridge abutments for a total project cost of $658,750 or;
Option 2: The addition of architectural enhancements, which include covering the east and west concrete bridge abutments in a Rhyolite stone or cultured stone veneer at an added cost of $44,000 for a total project cost of $702,750.
Architectural enhancements would be added by change order, if selected by Town Council.
History of Past Town Council, Boards & Commissions, or Other Discussions
The Parks and Recreation Commission supported Town Council approval of accelerating bridge construction to 2015 at their May 20, 2015 meeting.
Discussion
A design / build RFP was advertised on the Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System website, which was based upon a preliminary design drafted by staff. Contractor consultant teams were required to provide construction estimates for a late August 2015 project start and for a start date in January 2016. In addition, architectural enhancements were priced that included aesthetically facing the proposed concrete bridge abutments with options for Rhyolite as well as a cultured stone product.
Three contractor consultant teams responded to the RFP including Sabell’s Enterprises - preliminary estimate $613,000, White Construction - preliminary estimate $749,548 and Wildcat Construction - preliminary estimate $1,180,000. Sabell’s Enterprises provided the lowest cost estimate and was determined to be qualified to perform the work. Sabell’s Enterprises has completed several projects for the Town, the most recent being the Ridge Road, Founders and Crowfoot Valley Road sidewalk projects.
The design process was initiated with Sabell’s civil engineering consultant in late April. Design was completed on July 28, 2015. The final cost for the project was higher than the initial estimate because the civil engineering consultant determined the need for a larger west bridge abutment than was included on the concept plan. This change increased the material cost for footing and wall concrete, steel reinforcement and safety railing. All other costs were consistent with the preliminary estimates. The total cost of the bridge project is $658,750 with an additional $44,000 in architectural enhancements; if the latter option is selected.
The project has been included in the 2016 budget process; however, there are significant advantages for beginning work in 2015. For instance, a late August construction start results a savings of $58,850 versus a construction start date in January. The cost escalation in January 2016 is a result of adding cold weather protection for winter construction conditions and escalating steel and concrete material costs. Logistical concerns are also a factor that could affect overall project cost. The east abutment and fill required to construct the east access ramp are located on a tract of land dedicated by the Park Preserve / Covenant at Castle Rock Development. This development is currently working to complete underground utility work and will soon begin roadway construction. Model home construction will quickly follow limiting access to the construction area. Delaying construction could also have an effect on coordination with the development resulting in higher grading and restoration costs for the Town or Park Preserve development. Finally, moving the bridge to 2015 would ensure that construction would be complete with Philip S. Miller Park phase 2 improvements, delivering the project at an earlier date for special events and general use.
Budget Impact
Budget Impact for Option #1
Base project cost $ 658,750
Funding Resources
Unobligated General Fund Balance $658,750
Budget Impact for Option #2 with Additional Architectural Elements
Base project cost $ 658,750
Additional Architectural Enhancements $ 44,000
Total for Option#2 $ 702,750
Funding Resources
Unobligated General Fund Balance $702,750
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends approval of a Resolution Approving a Design / Build Contract with Sabell’s Enterprises for the Wolfensberger Road Pedestrian Bridge Project.
Proposed Motion
“I move to approve a Resolution Approving a Design / Build Contract with Sabell’s Enterprises for the Wolfensberger Road Pedestrian Bridge Project.”
Attachments
Attachment A Resolution
Exhibit 1 Contract
Attachment B Site Map
Attachment C Bridge Plan and Profile Drawings
Attachment D Preliminary Project Estimates