Yelm city councilors unanimously approved authorizing two separate contracts for construction and construction management of phase two of the Prairie Line Trail at their meeting Nov. 14.
The first contract, with Midway Underground, is for construction of phase two of the Prairie Line Trail and will cost $376,945. In June of 2021, the City of Yelm was awarded a $570,789 grant to pay for the construction and design of the project.
The project was originally estimated to cost $450,000, so the city saves just over $73,000. The construction itself is expected to take 40 working days, according to Brad Chatwood with Yelm Public Works.
“We had 18 bids, which I think is a record, correct me if I’m wrong. It took us a while to go through everything, and Midway Underground was the low bid,” Chatwood said. “They actually did all the underground work for the middle school, and they did great work.”
Currently, the trail allows pedestrians to walk to the Nisqually River. When finished, the phase two upgrades will renovate the Nisqually Trestle into a walking and bicycle path that will extend across the Nisqually River.
Mayor Joe DePinto asked Chatwood why the project was so much under budget, and he believes it could be related to the time of year.
“A lot of construction companies are slow this time of year, so I think they’re just looking for jobs to keep their guys busy,” Chatwood said. “I think that’s the main reason. It worked out in our favor this time.”
The City Council next unanimously authorized DePinto to sign amendment three to the professional services agreement with SCJ Alliance. The contract, valued at $42,724.04, is for construction management services of the Prairie Line Trail phase two.
“The reason we did it this way, to bring this amendment to their construction management contract, is we weren’t sure how bids were going to come in,” Chatwood said. “So we want SCJ to do the construction management. They’re the most qualified. We decided to put it up for bid and base their fee on what the bids came in at.”
Chatwood said there were initial concerns about high bids and not having enough money for the construction management agreement, but “everything worked out,” he said.
“SCJ was tasked with designing the trail and delivering 100% plans and specs to be implemented into the construction phase,” Chatwood said. “We believe SCJ is the best suitor for the construction management of this project.”
Councilor Joseph Richardson asked Chatwood if SCJ’s role would be in the form of an administrative role or as on-site work. Chatwood told the councilor that SCJ will be working on-site, conducting inspections and receiving submittals. He also told Richardson that SCJ is there for accountability and ensuring the job is finished on time.
Councilor Holly Smith asked Chatwood why the services weren’t implemented initially, to which he said they’re included in every contract.
“We could’ve made a completely new contract, but amendments are usually easier,” Chatwood said. “This was a strategic move for the city to save money because we didn’t know where the bids were going to come in at.”
Smith added that she doesn’t disagree with the amendment, but said there could be an issue with perception among the community.
“We had the stage. Now we have this contract, and they’re asking for more money. I understand it’s a little bit different, and I understand the amendment is easier, but I think for the general public it might be easier to have a separate contract,” Smith said. “I do understand it. I just think it looks kind of wonky.”
Councilor Brian Hess asked Chatwood if the amendment is needed because the City doesn’t have the capability at this time to pay someone on staff to be the project manager.
“We just don’t have the staff to cover those things. So, basically, what we’re doing is paying someone for the 40 days, the equivalent of a project manager’s fee to make sure that Midway Underground adheres to their side of their contract, makes sure all permits are done accordingly and ensures that everything is inspected appropriately,” Hess said. “Is that correct?”
Chatwood answered, “absolutely.”
