HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - Council Action Form dated March 10, 2026ITEM #:19
DATE:03-10-26
DEPT:ELEC
SUBJECT:RELOCATION OF 161KV TRANSMISSION LINE FROM AMES PLANT TO NE
ANKENY - APPROVE CHANGE ORDER #3
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
The Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) is carrying out highway improvements along
Interstate 35 north of Ankeny. These improvements include construction where I-35 crosses
NE 158th Ave and NE 142nd Ave and at the I-35 interchange of NE 126th Ave. The City owns
a 161kV electric transmission line that is situated on DOT right of way in this area. The IDOT
construction project requires relocation of a portion of the transmission line in the
vicinity of these roads. All costs associated with this relocation project will be
reimbursed by IDOT.
On October 25, 2022, a contract was awarded to Primoris Electric, Inc., Inver Grove Heights,
MN, in the amount of $2,171,669.20 for the relocation of the 161kV transmission line. As work
has progressed, changes have been needed to move the project to completion. The changes
are as follows:
Change Order #1 for $0 included laminated foundation plates, additional turnbuckles &
hangers, and modifying the substantial completion date to October 24, 2024.
Change Order #2 was for additional hydrovac and culvert work completed at the three
locations (126th Ave, 158th Ave & 142nd Ave) along with delays during construction
relating to weather, material delivery, and property access. Another item included in
Change Order #2 was a reduction in the scope due to an adjacent CIPCO transmission
line being removed from service rather than requiring relocation in order to facilitate the
movement of the City's 161 kV line. Therefore, parts and equipment anticipated as part
of that relocation work, along with the labor to install them, are no longer needed. The
total of the change order is a deduct of ($192,618.40).
Change Order #3 (this action) addresses three items, for a total increase of
$89,125.80:
1. Reconciling the previously issued Change Order #2 to address rounding issues for
an increase of $0.17,
2. A reduction in the number of poles removed and the removal of an additional two
poles for a net increase of $1,261.58, and
3. Additional labor and equipment required to return the transmission facilities at
142nd Ave to normal configuration and close out the project for an increase of
$87,864.05.
The adjusted FY 2021/22 City budget incorporated $2,154,000 as a capital project for 161kV
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Line Relocation. Subsequent adjustments of $250,000 in FY 2022/23 and $155,468 in FY
2023/24 bring the total project funding to $2,559,468. The most current total estimated cost for
this project including engineering design, easements and crop damages is $2,469,876. All
engineering and construction expenses for the project will be reimbursed by IDOT under
agreements previously approved with IDOT.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve Change Order #3 to Primoris Electric, Inc., Inver Grove Heights, MN, for the
Relocation of 161kV Transmission Line Project from Ames Plant to NE Ankeny for
$89,125.80 inclusive of tax, as requested by the IDOT. This action will increase the
contract with Primoris Electric from $1,979,050.80 to $2,068,176.60.
2. Reject the change order.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
In order to facilitate these IDOT improvements, the City’s 161kV transmission line must
be relocated. This addition in scope and the corresponding change order is requested
from IDOT. All engineering and construction expenses for the project will be
reimbursed by IDOT. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City
Council adopt Alternative No. 1 as stated above.
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