PRESENTER: Presenter
Scott McClelland, Assistant Director of Transportation and Capital Improvements
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SUBJECT: Title
Approval of a contract modification with Freese & Nichols Inc. for bidding and construction phase services associated with the Last Tuber’s Exit Improvement Project.
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DEPARTMENT: Transportation and Capital Improvements
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COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: 5
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The New Braunfels Economic Development Corporation (NBEDC) has worked to develop a list of capital projects to support - through engineering and design and/or construction funding - since the summer of 2022. The NBEDC voted unanimously to approve funding the final design of the Last Tuber’s Exit project at its January 19, 2023 meeting. Freese and Nichols, Inc (FNI) was selected as the design consultant. The final design completed by FNI includes the construction design drawings and an opinion of probable cost for construction.
The proposed improvements to Last Tuber’s Exit will help reduce staff intervention, reduce the backup of tubers at the lower landing area and stairs, and improve the safety for staff and park users. The construction of these improvements would replace the underwater stairs with additional steps and a 12’ wide underwater landing. Handrails will be replaced, an ADA transfer system will be included, and marker buoys will be added to delineate the underwater landing.
The cost to complete construction of the proposed improvements and for other construction phase expenses is $1,200,000. The NBEDC approved this project expenditure unanimously at its April 18, 2024 meeting.
The contract modification with FNI will provide bidding and construction phase support with a not to exceed amount of $154,179.
If the City Council approves the NBEDC funding, construction would begin after the 2024 river season ends.
ISSUE:
The Last Tuber’s Exit requires safety updates to help reduce staff intervention and the backup of tubers exiting the river. These improvements would replace underwater stairs and add additional steps and a wide underwater landing.
STRATEGIC PLAN REFERENCE:
☐Economic Mobility ☐Enhanced Connectivity ☐Community Identity
☐Organizational Excellence ☒Community Well-Being ☐N/A
Improving the Last Tuber’s Exit will greatly contribute to the Community’s Well-Being. These proposed improvements will increase the safety of tubers exiting the river and allow for ADA accessibility.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The NBEDC has approved $1,200,000 for the construction phase. Therefore, there are adequate funds for this project expenditure.
Recommendation
RECOMMENDATION:
Approval of a contract modification with Freese & Nichols Inc. for bidding and construction phase services associated with the Last Tuber’s Exit improvements in the not to exceed amount of $154,179.