DEPARTMENT: Transportation & Capital Improvements
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Mike Frisbie, P.E.
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Council District 6
SUBJECT:
Twin Falls Cliff-Bank Stabilization Project
SUMMARY:
An Ordinance for the Twin Falls Cliff-Bank Stabilization Project, a Storm Water Regional Facilities Fund Project, located in Council District 6, authorizing a construction design-build contract to Hayward Baker, Inc.-Craig Olden Division, in an amount not to exceed $719,300.00.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Project Background
Through the annual budget process, $2,900,000.00 from the Storm Water Regional Facilities Fund was authorized for the Twin Falls Cliff-Bank Stabilization Project. Of the total amount, $709,300.00 will be used for construction and $370,000.00 for engineering, design, environmental, and project management. The balance of the Project funds approved may be used for real estate or else returned to the Storm Water Regional Facilities Fund.
Over the years Leon Creek has eroded a 750-foot section of the southern creek bank, resulting in the creation of a 20-30 ft high cliff, potentially impacting the private properties along the 7300 Block of Twin Falls located in the Twin Creek Subdivision in Council District 6. In June 2014, a Preliminary Engineering Report (PER), performed by LNV, concluded that the creek wall will continue to erode towards the private properties and recommended a retaining wall system be installed. In February 2015, during the detailed design of the retaining wall by Maestas & Associates, the City was notified by the consultant that the current safety factor of the existing wall, although considered stable, was below the minimum standards and therefore recommended the City to take more immediate actions.
The Twin Falls Cliff - Bank Stabilization Project will mechanically armor a 30 foot vertical cliff by installing a Soil Nail Retention System. Soil nailing is an earth retention technique which will strengthen the existing cliff by installing closely-spaced steel nails into the cliff wall. The nails will vary in length, and some nails can be as long as 30 feet which will remedy Leon Creek from eroding and meandering further towards the homes along Twin Falls. After the nails are installed, a structural concrete wall decorated with a natural-looking rock façade will cover the nails.
Coordination with the local residents are being made to ensure accommodations will be in place to maintain accessibility during construction. Underground easements are being acquired from the six properties impacted by the deterioration of the cliff in order to install the soil nails at the rear of each property.
Procurement of Services
According to Chapter 252.022 of the Texas Local Government Code, the requirement to solicit contracts for the purchase of goods or services does not apply to an expenditure for a procurement necessary to preserve or protect the public health or safety of the municipality's residents. As a result of this exemption, this contract is excluded from the scope and application of the Small Business Economic Development Advocacy (SBEDA) Program.
Additionally, due to the unique details, design concepts, and construction processes required for the project, Hayward Baker, Inc. - Craig Olden Division was selected to provide construction of this soil nail system and owns proprietary rights over this method which no other contractor could provide.
ISSUE:
This ordinance authorizes the execution of a design-build contract for the construction of the Twin Falls Cliff-Bank Stabilization Project, a Storm Water Regional Facilities Fund Project, located in Council District 6, payable to Hayward Baker, Inc.-Craig Olden Division, in an amount not to exceed $719,300.00.
The Twin Falls Cliff - Bank Stabilization Project will mechanically armor a 30 foot vertical cliff by installing a Soil Nail Retention System. Soil nailing is an earth retention technique which will strengthen the existing cliff by installing closely-spaced steel nails into the cliff wall. The nails will vary in length, and some nails can be as long as 30 feet which will remedy Leon Creek from eroding and meandering further towards the homes along Twin Falls. After the nails are installed, a structural concrete wall decorated with a natural-looking rock façade will cover the nails. Project construction is anticipated to begin in June 2015 and is estimated to be completed by September 2015.
ALTERNATIVES:
As an alternative, City Council could choose not to award this contract and require staff to advertise this Project. Considering the time required for the solicitation process, this would adversely affect a timely completion of this Project, which will increase the risk of property loss or damages.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This is a one-time capital improvement expenditure in the amount of $719,300.00, payable to Hayward Baker, Inc.-Craig Olden Division. Funds are available from the Storm Water Regional Facilities Fund and are included in the 2015-2020 Capital Improvements Program Budget.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of this ordinance accepting the design-build proposal in the amount of $719,300, payable to Hayward Baker, Inc.-Craig Olden Division, for the design and construction of the Twin Falls Cliff - Bank Stabilization Project.