HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - Council Action Form dated May 26, 2026ITEM #:31
DATE:05-26-26
DEPT:PW
SUBJECT:RESOURCE RECOVERY AND RECYCLING CAMPUS CONSTRUCTION
MATERIAL TESTING
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
The Resource Recovery and Recycling Campus (R3C) project represents a new method for
handling solid waste, recycling, and yard waste for the City of Ames and partner agencies.
This project includes the construction of a new transfer station to receive, process, and
transport solid waste to the City's new landfill partner in Carroll County. Additionally the
project will include a receiving area for recyclables that will then be transported to a material
recovery facility and an area for yard waste collection. The new R3C facility will be located at
220 Freel Drive.
Following contract award, City staff solicited quotes in April 2026 for construction materials
testing services from qualified firms for the project. A contract was awarded to Braun Intertec
Corporation of Urbandale, IA in the amount of $48,793.50. The contract award excluded
onsite paving material testing and inspection services. The original intent was to utilize
internal City of Ames Public Works Engineering staff to provide these services as they
closely align with material testing services performed on street reconstruction
projects. The Engineering staff would then charge their time to the project as an
expense.
Due to the heavy street reconstruction workload already in place for the Public Works
Engineering staff, the accelerated schedule of the R3C project, and the competitive cost
proposals for construction material testing services, a quote for adding this additional work to
Braun Intertec's scope was requested. The cost to perform these additional services is
$3,668, which is substantially more cost effective than what City staff can provide these
services in the same timeframe. This will allow Public Works Engineering staff to focus on
their regular work activities, which includes the important customer service and coordination
with local residents during street reconstruction projects.
This added scope of work will increase the overall expense to $52,451.50, which requires City
Council approval in accordance with Purchasing Policy.
With the addition of this scope of work to Braun Intertec, staff is recommending
reducing the overall budgeted amount for construction material testing services by
$153,760 for a revised total of $75,000. The $153,760 will be added into the construction
contingency budget bringing the new total to $582,358 to account for potential changes
necessary as the project is constructed.
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Budgeted Revenues Budgeted Expenses
Revenue Abated G.O.
Bonds $22,006,730 Land Acquisition (220, 306, 312,
318, 400 Freel Drive)$1,077,500
Fleet Services Reserve Fund 425,000 Due Diligence prior to closing 15,465
FY 2025/26 Stormwater
Quality Improvements CIP 159,077 Conceptual Design and
Financial Modeling 50,000
Electric Services Rebate 3,000 Final Design 965,715
Solid Waste Alternatives
Program (SWAP) Grants 100,000 Final Design Contingency 75,000
Permitting 38,000
Construction Contracts (as bid)$19,619,767
Previously approved change
orders (1,627,770.97)
Construction Incentives 100,000
Items by Owner
(FFE/Cameras/Fiber
Network/Tree Clearing) (This
Council Action)
266,600
Construction
Contingency (revised)582,358
Construction Inspection
(revised)75,000
Construction Manager Fee
(Fixed fees plus 2.25% of
contract amounts)
952,860
Construction Manager General
Conditions Costs (est.) 448,000
R3C Construction
Revenue Subtotal $22,693,807 R3C Construction Subtotal $22,638,494.03
Electric Utility Fund $2,340,000 Mobile Equipment (transfer
trucks and trailers, est.)$2,340,000
G.O. Bonds $975,000
Unobligated G.O. Bonds 225,000
Water Utility Fund 40,000 Freel Drive Paving (as bid +
contract admin)$1,102,310
Total Project Revenues $26,273,807 Total Project Expenses $26,080,804.03
A revised project budget is provided below:
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve Change Order No. 1 with Braun Intertec Corporation of Urbandale, IA in the
amount of $3,668.
2. Direct staff to pursue other alternatives to provide construction material testing services
for the on site paving.
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CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The addition of this scope of work to Braun Intertec allows for the most cost-effective means to
provide these critical construction material testing services. Additionally, this will free up
Public Works Engineering staff resources to provide support to residents during street
reconstruction projects. The savings realized from this change will be kept in the R3C
construction contingency fund to address future necessary budgetary changes.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative
1, as described above.
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