Public Works is responsible for the maintenance of over 850 miles (Estimated $125M Replacement Cost) of sidewalk throughout the City.  This includes sidewalks in neighborhoods, along major thoroughfares and trails.  Annually, Public Works staff completes an assessment of all the sidewalks.  During this assessment, staff collects the location of vertical trip hazards.  Trip hazards are classified into 3 types as identified here:

·         Category 1 – Trip Hazard greater than 2”

·         Category 2 – Trip Hazard greater than 1” but less than 2”

·         Category 3 – Trip Hazard less than 1”

In FY20, staff identified over 10,800 deficiencies with an estimated repair cost of $5.9M.

·         Category 1 – 1,305 Locations - $1,461,000

·         Category 2 – 3,643 Locations - $4,080,000

·         Category 3 – 5,888 Locations - $491,000.00

Category 1 and 2 are mitigated through replacement, whereas Category 3 is mitigated via concrete shaving.

In addition to the assessment, the City receives approximately 700 service requests for sidewalk concerns on an annual basis, with a current backlog of 969 requests. These requests from residents are the top priority for staff.  The current service level for repairs called in by residents is 90 days.  Currently, staff is notifying residents that the estimated timeline is 18-24 months to complete repairs due to the financial impacts experienced from COVID-19. 

The City utilizes City staff, as well as a concrete replacement contractor, to complete the sidewalk replacement. Customer service requests are completed in the order in which they are received.  

Annually, the City initiates a contract with a vendor to complete sidewalk repairs across the City.  This contract is a unit price contract and is executed based on the City adopted budget for the respective fiscal year. The City has the option to renew the contract annually for four additional years based on available funds in future adopted budgets. Unlike the auto-renewal contracts, this contract will require Council approval each year based on the annual funding amount.

Staff advertised an invitation to bid on October 21, 2020, and October 28, 2020, and opened bids on November 5, 2020.  The City received 6 bids for the project.  

J Rivas Construction, LLC was the apparent low bidder based on the unit prices bid through the  estimated quantities.  This is the first time working with J Rivas Construction, LLC.  Staff reviewed and contacted their references and they received high praise.

Staff anticipates the contractor will mobilize and begin construction at the beginning of March. The FY21 Budget includes $625,000.00 for sidewalk replacements. Repairs will be invoiced as completed based on the unit pricing in the contract. Staff expects to address approximately 300 customer complaints with this contract.

The Public Works Department recommends that the City Council authorize the execution of a contract between the City of Sugar Land and J Rivas Construction, LLC., in the amount of $625,000.00 for Sidewalk and Trail rehabilitation.