Council to reject high bids for roof-access stairs; staff proposes motorized davit crane alternative

Staff reported two bids for exterior roof-access stairs that were substantially higher than anticipated and recommended rejecting both bids. The low and high bids were given verbally in the discussion and described as much higher than expected.

As an alternative to the stair-improvement project, staff proposed purchasing a motorized davit crane (described in transcript as a fixed-base, portable crane that is attached to roof structure) to lift equipment and materials to the roof. Staff said the crane would require design work to ensure the roof can handle the stresses and that the crane could be used at other locations with appropriate base attachment.

Councilmembers discussed prior conversation about the crane and the potential cost savings compared with the bid amounts. Staff said the council needs to authorize rejection of the bids so staff can pursue the crane option; the transcript records that authorization to reject bids was proposed but does not show a recorded council vote in this excerpt.