To: Board of Supervisors
From: Public Works
Agenda Section: Consent
SUBJECT:
title
Change Order Authorization for Storm Damage Repairs to Mattole Road (F3C010) Post Mile 5.00; Project Number ER-32L0 (118), Contract Number 217224 (4/5 Vote Required)
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RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Approve, and authorize the Public Works Director to execute, the attached change order to contract number 217224 for the total amount of $291,976.05 (4/5 Vote Required).
Body
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
Road Fund (1200); Federal Highway Administration Emergency Relief Funds
DISCUSSION:
On Nov. 10, 2020, the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors authorized the Clerk of the Board to advertise the Mattole Road (F3C010) Post Mile 5.00 Storm Damage Repair Project for bids. On Dec. 15, 2020, Humboldt County received five (5) bids for the project, and the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors awarded the contract to Mercer-Fraser Company, the lowest responsible bidder, on Jan. 12, 2021. The work consists of constructing a soldier pile retaining wall, installing sub-drainage and storm drainage systems, restoring the roadway to original width, and adding sediment and erosion control items.
The attached change order to contract number 217224 compensates Mercer-Fraser Company for extra work required to abandon previously installed ground anchors and install new ground anchors for the soldier pile retaining wall. Sub-horizontal ground anchors, also known as tiebacks, are used for earth retaining structures where excavation for construction of a footing foundation is not feasible. The first ground anchors were installed in accordance with the project plans, specifications, and submittals, but they failed to meet the strength requirements due to unforeseen site conditions.
The Humboldt County Department of Public Works (“Public Works”) consulted with the structural engineer and geotechnical engineer and determined that Mercer-Fraser Company was not responsible for the failed ground anchors. Public Works revised the ground anchor plans and specifications, and Mercer-Fraser Company solicited competitive bids from subcontractors for this specialized work. Public Works evaluated the proposed costs and determined that completing the work under the existing contract is the most cost-effective method for restoring the roadway.
Accordingly, Public Works recommends that the Board of Supervisors approve, and authorize the Public Works director to execute, the attached change order to contract number 217224 for the total amount of $291,976.05.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The Mattole Road (F3C010) Post Mile 5.00 Storm Damage Repair Project is being funded by Federal Highway Administration Emergency Relief Funds (88.53%) and the Humboldt County Road Fund (11.47%). The attached change order to contract number 217224 will increase the total contract amount by $291,976.05, bringing the total contract amount to $1,348,768.05. Expenditure appropriations relating to completion of the Mattole Road (F3C010) Post Mile 5.00 Storm Damage Repair Project are included in the approved fiscal year 2021-22 budget for Road Fund budget 1200321.
Projects are paid in arrears with anticipated funding coming from Federal Highway Administration as mentioned above. The Annual Road Report for fiscal year 2020-21, completed by the State of California, reflected an estimated negative fund balance of $5,900,000. This negative balance is due to the timing of Federal Emergency Management Agency reimbursements, which can take years to receive. Public Works utilizes other state and local funding, such as Regional Surface Transportation Program funds, for the Humboldt County Road Fund match for Federal Highway Administration projects.
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK:
The recommended actions support the Board of Supervisors’ Strategic Framework by providing for and maintaining infrastructure.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
California Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Board of Supervisors may choose not to approve the attached contract change order to contract number 217224. However, this alternative is not recommended because the extra work is required to complete the project and restore the roadway to pre-disaster conditions using funds that would not otherwise be available to the County of Humboldt.
ATTACHMENTS:
Change Order to Contract Number 217224
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Board Order No.: C-15; C-20
Meeting of: 11/10/20; 1/12/21
File No.: 20-1419; 21-14