Staff recommends that City Council award a contract for W.O. 23-17 Grand Avenue & 3rd Street West Storm Drain and Electrical Improvements to Knife River in the amount of $394,376.00.

W.O. 23-17 Grand Avenue & 3rd Street West will construct improvements to the existing storm drain and electrical infrastructure.  Storm drain improvements include replacing storm drain inlets and inlet piping with higher capacity inlets and pipe, which will help alleviate current flooding issues in Grand Avenue during storm events. Electrical improvements include replacement of traffic signal conduit, wiring, pull boxes, a signal controller, controller cabinet, and cabinet pedestal. The electrical upgrades allow for GRIDSMART system to be installed by the City, which will improve operational efficiency at signalized intersections and allow staff to monitor and adjust traffic operations in real time. Additionally, improvements to the existing pedestrian ramps will be completed with the project. The work is proposed to be completed during the summer when school is out to minimize impacts to Billings Senior High School.

The project was advertised on February 17th, 24th, and March 3rd, 2023 in the Yellowstone County News and on the City's website.  Bids were opened March 7th, 2023. Four bid were received.  Knife River submitted the lowest responsible bid.

City Council may:

• Award W.O. 23-17 Grand Avenue & 3rd Street West Storm Drain & Electrical Improvements to Knife River in the amount of $394,376; or,
• Not award a contract and reject all bids. If the contract is not awarded, the flooding of Grand Avenue, traffic signal, and pedestrian facilities will not be improved.

The following bids were received:

Contractor	Base Bid
Knife River	$394,376.00
Millennium Construction	$398,679.53
COP Construction	$453,083.00
Askin Construction	$475,989.00

The project was budgeted in FY23 using Storm Drain, Gas Tax, and Street Maintenance District Funds. There is adequate budget to award the project.