ITEM: 12.4 ADMINISTRATION- Robert Therres, Public Services Manager
Title
AUTHORIZE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH BARR ENGINEERING CO. IN A NOT-TO-EXCEED AMOUNT OF $140,000 IN ACCORDANCE WITH THEIR PROPOSAL DATED APRIL 12, 2013 FOR THE NORTHEAST WELL FIELD STUDY - IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 11-08
Background
At the March 21, 2013 City Council Workshop, Barr Engineering presented a report with the results of the well siting study for wells 18 and 19. The well siting study indicated there are some areas of uncertainty and concerns by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR) with regards to the effects any new wells would have on surface waters, including certain sensitive wetlands and scientific and natural areas. If these areas of uncertainty and MNDNR concerns are not cleared up, the City risks spending money to install two high capacity wells only to have the capacities of the new wells limited by the MNDNR.
To reduce the risk and uncertainty to the City, the study suggested the City do additional study and testing to better understand the shallow Quaternary clayey layer as a protective unit to the surface waters before proceeding with well field design and construction. The study outlined a stepwise approach to reduce the uncertainty and risk and gives the City the option of deciding if and how to proceed after each step.
Council directed staff to bring back a proposal which proceeds with further study in the stepwise approach recommended in the well siting study. Staff requested a proposal from Barr Engineering Co. as staff feels that Barr Engineering Co. has the necessary professional expertise and familiarity with the groundwater and geology of this area to provide a cost effective plan to successfully complete the study needed to reduce the uncertainty and risk to the City when siting future wells in the northeast area well field.
Recommendation
By motion, authorize City Manager to contract with Barr Engineering Co. in a not-to-exceed amount of $140,000 in accordance with their proposal dated April 12, 2013.