Title
Resolution to Approve a Construction Contract with Eminent Excavating LLC for the South Maple, Arbordale and Sherwood Watermain Replacement and Improvements Project (RFP 26-17; $4,499,212.00) and to Appropriate $1,640,802.00 in Contributing Funds (8 Votes Required)
Memorandum
Attached for your review and consideration for approval, please find a resolution to approve a construction contract between the City of Ann Arbor and Eminent Excavating LLC in the amount of $4,499,212.00 for the South Maple, Arbordale and Sherwood Watermain Replacement and Improvements Project (RFP 26-17).
The project includes the installation of approximately 800 feet of water main within a public utility easement in the Surrey Park neighborhood off of South Maple Road to create a looped water main system. This improvement will enhance system reliability and increase water pressure in the area. The project also includes the installation of two check valves on South Maple Road to isolate the Surrey Park and Avant developments, creating an independent pressure district that will benefit from the recently constructed pump station serving the Avant development.
In addition, approximately 4,000 feet of water main will be installed along Arbordale Street, Sherwood Street, and Sherwood Circle to replace aging infrastructure. The existing water main has experienced 11 breaks over the past 18 years, making it a high priority candidate for replacement.
The project will also include stormwater system improvements, including the installation of curb drains, storm sewer infrastructure, and new stormwater structures. Roadway improvements will consist of street resurfacing, along with the construction of raised pedestrian crossings, speed humps, and ADA accessible curb ramps to help reduce vehicle speeds and improve pedestrian safety.
Project construction is scheduled to begin in May 2026 and be completed in November 2026.
Engineering staff supervised the creation of plans and contract documents and bid the project through the City’s Procurement Unit. On March 17, 2026, four 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. Eminent Excavating LLC
2. E.T. MacKenzie Company
3. Verdeterre Contracting, Inc.
4. DiPonio Contracting, LLC.
Eminent Excavating LLC received the highest score among the proposals reviewed by the selection committee. Therefore, staff recommends approving a contract with Eminent Excavating LLC for the project. Eminent Excavating LLC complies with the City’s Non-Discrimination and Living Wage ordinances.
Budget/Fiscal Impact: This project is included in the City’s Capital Improvements Plan (UT-WS-22-14, UT-WS-18-49, UT-SN-27-02, UT-ST-26-17, TR-SB-25-15). The estimated total cost of the project is $6,299,000.00. Revenue for the project comes from the following funding sources:
|
Revenue Source |
Amount |
|
Water Supply System Fund |
$4,489,000.00 |
|
Street, Bridge, and Sidewalk Millage Fund |
$1,049,000.00 |
|
Stormwater Sewer System Fund |
$ 630,000.00 |
|
Sewage Disposal System Fund |
$ 131,000.00 |
|
Total |
$6,299,000.00 |
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, The South Maple, Arbordale and Sherwood Watermain Replacement and Improvements Project will increase water service reliability, replace existing aging water mains, resurface the roadways, and provide improved pedestrian and non-motorized safety;
Whereas, The City of Ann Arbor received four proposals for this work on March 17, 2026 and Eminent Excavating LLC received the highest score among the proposals reviewed by the selection committee;
Whereas, Funding for the project is available in the approved capital Water Supply System Fund, Street Bridge, and Sidewalk Millage Fund, Stormwater Fund, and Sanitary Fund; and
Whereas, Eminent Excavating LLC complies with the City of Ann Arbor Non-Discrimination, Responsible Bidder and Living Wage Ordinances;
RESOLVED, That City Council approves a construction contract with Eminent Excavating LLC in the amount of $4,499,212.00 for the South Maple, Arbordale, and Sherwood Watermain Replacement and Improvements Project, RFP 26-17;
RESOLVED, That $616,900.00 be appropriated from the Stormwater Sewer System Fund Capital Budget to the South Maple, Arbordale, and Sherwood Watermain Replacement and Improvements Project, thereby increasing the project revenue and expenditure budgets;
RESOLVED, That $131,000.00 be appropriated from the Sewage Disposal System Fund Capital Budget to the South Maple, Arbordale, and Sherwood Watermain Replacement and Improvements Project, thereby increasing the project revenue and expenditure budgets;
RESOLVED, That $892,902.00 be appropriated from the Street, Bridge, and Sidewalk Millage Fund Capital Budget to the South Maple, Arbordale, and Sherwood Watermain Replacement and Improvements Project, thereby increasing the project revenue and expenditure budgets;
RESOLVED, That a contingency amount of $450,000.00 be established within the project budget and that the City Administrator be authorized to approve construction change orders not to exceed that amount, in order to satisfactorily complete this project;
RESOLVED, That the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized and directed to execute said agreement after approval as to substance by the City Administrator and approval as to form by the City Attorney; and
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator be authorized to take necessary administrative actions to implement this resolution, including issuing temporary and permanent Traffic Control Orders and night work authorizations as required for the construction of the project.