Council to rebid 2025 parking lot paving; low bid exceeds budget, staff recommends budget transfer

City staff presented a rebid for the 2025 parking lot paving program on July 10, reporting the apparent low bidder submitted a base bid of $213,959.97 and that a 10% contingency would raise the total to $235,355.97. The existing budget for the project was $150,000.

Staff said the rebid was necessary because construction materials and costs had increased substantially since the budget was set. The recommendation was to transfer $60,592 from the annual street improvements account into the city facility improvements account and to award the contract to the apparent low bidder, identified in committee remarks as Near Paving/NERA, for the accepted bid amount with contingency.

Councilmembers asked whether the cost increase was justified; staff replied that the complexity of this project, which includes resurfacing and repairs at the Street Division building, an adjacent alley and the building maintenance building, made it more expensive than typical projects. A motion to have legislation drawn up for the rebid and related budget transfer was made and carried by roll call.

Why it matters: The programme addresses several city facility parking areas and affects the streets and building maintenance budgets. Awarding the contract and moving budget lines will permit work to proceed pending formal ordinance or contract approval at a regular council meeting.