PRESENTER: Presenter
Scott McClelland, Assistant Transportation and Capital Improvements Director
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SUBJECT: Title
Discuss and consider approval of a joint contract between the City of New Braunfels and New Braunfels Utilities with Austin Filter Systems, Inc. for the construction of improvements to the Last Tuber’s Exit on the Comal River and authorization for the City Manager to execute change orders up to the contingency amount.
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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 with Freese and Nichols, Inc (FNI) at its January 19, 2023, meeting.
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 of 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 NBEDC received a presentation on the construction of these improvements at its March 21, 2024, regular meeting. The NBEDC held a public hearing on April 18, 2024, and unanimously approved the requested $1,200,000 in construction funding. The New Braunfels City Council approved the construction funding at its May 13, 2024, meeting.
The City issued a joint solicitation with NBU for the exit improvements and associated waterline relocations on July 10, 2024, and received two proposals on August 7, 2024. Austin Filters Systems was selected as the best value with a total cost of $1,166,200 including $1,103,700 for the exit improvements and $62,500 for waterline adjustments. Staff recommends a 10% owner’s contingency to the City’s portion for a total construction cost of $1,214,070.
ISSUE:
Congestion and safety concerns at the Last Tuber’s Exit
STRATEGIC PLAN REFERENCE:
☐Economic Mobility ☐Enhanced Connectivity ☒Community Identity
☐Organizational Excellence ☒Community Well-Being ☐N/A
New Braunfels is known for its river recreation. The proposed improvements will enhance the user experience and safety for river-goers and staff.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The NBEDC has approved funding up to $1,200,000 for the construction phase. On May 13, 2024, Council approved a $154,179 contract amendment with FNI for bidding and construction phase services. The additional construction phase funding required has been allocated in the FY 2025 budget through the reallocation of 2013 Bond Funds for park facility repairs and enhancements. Therefore, sufficient funds are available.
Recommendation
RECOMMENDATION:
Approval of a joint contract between the City of New Braunfels and New Braunfels Utilities with Austin Filter Systems, Inc. for the construction of the egress improvements to the Last Tuber’s Exit on the Comal River and authorization for the City Manager to execute change orders and additional project expenditures up to the contingency amount.