Published: March 09, 2006 11:23 am      

Bids for first portion of marina project to be let this month

CLINTON — The portion of the new marina north of the flood gate is on track for bid-letting this month.

The city’s marina committee approved plans for the project during Wednesday’s meeting, sending them to the Riverview Park Commission later that day. The commission also gave its stamp of approval, and the plans will go before the Clinton City Council on Tuesday.

If all goes smoothly, bids will be opened April 25 after a four-week bidding period. Construction south of 10th Avenue North is set for completion Oct. 1, and to the north Nov. 1.

At a February marina committee meeting, a subcommittee was formed to finalize plans for the north section — which includes the service building, Ninth Avenue North boat launch and a parking area — with design consultant JJR and project manager Leo Foley of Veenstra & Kimm.

One significant change was the movement of the services building 40 feet to the south, said Committee Chairman Dave Schnier, to allow space for a secure, fenced area to store boats that are waiting for parts.

The specifications also will require that one boat launch remain open at all times during the improvement process, which will be slightly more costly but is necessary due to the traffic at the Ninth Avenue ramp.

The curb radius at the Roosevelt Street entrance was changed to approximately 50 feet, and roll-in docks were added as an alternate if bids come in low enough to include them.

Other alternates are a 30-foot high service building rather than 25, and a 22-by-20-foot door in place of the 14-by-14-foot door for boats.

The alterations “are not really major changes,” said Schnier, “but some nice enhancements that will make (the marina) more accessible,” help traffic flow and make a better service area.

The engineer’s estimate of the north section is $1,155,853, including a 10 percent contingency, which will leave about $3.8 million for the docks, amenities building and remaining aspects of the project.

A similar committee was formed Wednesday to review plans for south of the flood gate.

Schnier, Foley, Vision Iowa Chairman Mark Schroeder, marina operator John Skornia and committee members Dennis Lauver, Tom Krogman, Barb Kahler, Chuck Thornton and Pat Pollard were designated as subcommittee members, and will meet at noon March 29.

The marina committee of the whole will meet April 26 to look over the opened bids, which they hope are more competitive this time around.

Splitting the plan into two phases should allow more contractors to bid, said Schnier, as not all companies can bond for a $6 million project.