Title
Resolution to Approve a Construction Contract with E.T. MacKenzie Company for the Dexter Road Sidewalk and Stormwater Improvements Project ($846,900.00) and Appropriate $80,000.00 in Contributing Funds (8 Votes Required)
Memorandum
Attached for your review and approval is a resolution to approve a contract between the City of Ann Arbor and E.T. MacKenzie Company (MacKenzie) in the amount of $846,900.00 for the Dexter Road Sidewalk and Stormwater Improvements Project (RFP No. 26-29).
The project is located on the north side of Dexter Road between Maple Road and M-14, utilizing County Road Millage funding and funding from the Sidewalk Construction Millage that voters approved on November 3, 2020. Selection of locations is guided by the sidewalk gap prioritization and capital planning processes.
The project scope includes the following elements:
• New sidewalk along the north side of Dexter Road between Seybold and Ironwood
• New sidewalk along the south side of Dexter Road, east of Valley Drive
• RRFB-enhanced crosswalks at Seybold/Valley, Clarendon, Kuehnle/Pinewood, Parkwood, and Ironwood/Rose
• Ditch and culvert installation for drainage improvements east of Alison
• Ditch shaping and enlarging along the limits of the project
Engineering staff supervised the creation of plans and contract documents and the project was bid through the City’s Purchasing Unit. On June 17, 2026, two proposals were received for this work. A selection committee comprised of Public Services staff reviewed the proposals and determined which bidder was the Best Value based on the criteria in ORD-25-28:
• Qualifications, Experience, & Accountability (20%)
• Workplace Safety (20%)
• Workforce Development (20%)
• Social Equity & Sustainability (20%)
• Schedule of Pricing/Cost (20%)
After reviewing and scoring the proposals, staff ranked the responding firms in the following order:
1. E.T. MacKenzie Company
2. Fonson Company, Inc.
MacKenzie received the highest score among the proposals reviewed by the selection committee. Therefore, staff recommends that Council approve a contract with MacKenzie for this project. MacKenzie complies with the City’s Non-Discrimination and Living Wage ordinances.
Budget/Fiscal Impact: These projects are included in the Capital Improvements Plan (TR-AT-18-02 and UT-ST-26-06). The project will be funded as shown below. The total cost of the project is estimated to be $1,280,000.
Fund Project Cost
Sidewalk Construction Millage $ 400,000.00
County Road Millage $ 650,000.00
Stormwater System $ 230,000.00
Total $1,280,000.00
Staff
Prepared by: Nicholas S. Hutchinson, P.E., City Engineer
Reviewed by: Jordan Roberts, Public Services Area Administrator
Approved by: Milton Dohoney Jr., City Administrator
Body
Whereas, There is a need for extending sidewalk facilities along Dexter Road between Maple Road and M-14;
Whereas, The Sidewalk Construction Millage and the County Road Millage will provide funding for the sidewalk gap filling work;
Whereas, There is a need for improved drainage facilities within the vicinity of the Evergreen Subdivision to mitigate flooding;
Whereas, The City of Ann Arbor received two proposals for this work on June 17, 2026 and after review, staff recommends awarding the construction contract to E.T. MacKenzie Company;
Whereas, E.T. MacKenzie Company complies with the City’s Non-Discrimination and Living Wage ordinances; and
Whereas, It is now necessary to enter into a contract with E.T. MacKenzie Company for the project construction;
RESOLVED, That City Council approve a construction contract with E. T. MacKenzie Company in the amount of $846,900.00 for the construction of the Dexter Road Sidewalk and Stormwater Improvements Project;
RESOLVED, That $80,000.00 be appropriated from the Stormwater Fund Capital Budget to the Dexter Road Sidewalk and Stormwater Improvements;
RESOLVED, That a contingency amount of $85,000.00 be established within the project budget and that the City Administrator be authorized to approve change orders not to exceed that amount;
RESOLVED, That the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized and directed to execute said contract after approval as to form by the City Attorney and approval as to substance by the City Administrator; and
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator be authorized to take the necessary administrative actions to implement this resolution including approval of needed Traffic Control Orders, night work authorizations, and other similar administrative approvals to allow the work of the project to proceed without delay.