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RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the bid be awarded to Derrico Construction as the lowest, most responsive and responsible bidder meeting specifications as set forth in the Invitation to Bid. (See attached memo),In addition, staff requests Board approval of the attached Agreement as to form, when all requirements are met and approved by the County Attorney. Commissioner Adams asked if the higher cost was attributed to the improvement project; if we were required to use ductile iron pipe in lieu of PVC, which increased the costs; and if we had any leverage or ability to deal with DOT to remove some of the restrictions. Utility Services Director Terry Pinto responded that when working with Jungle Trail, it was like working on "holy ground" noting that the contractors were extremely concerned about what was going to happen restoration -wise. They had attempted some negotiations, but it was a lost cause. Commissioner Adams asked why ductile iron pipe was required, and Director Pinto advised it was where the pipeline would be located and because of the water table in that area. Chairman Macht believed it was not logical to have ductile iron pipe, since ferrous material oxidizes in a wet atmosphere. 'Commissioner Bird clarified that was why we had to wrap it. Director Pinto explained there were those who believed ductile iron pipe would withstand more pressure, was less apt to break, and was a better pipe. Those theories would be argued�by the makers of the plastic pipe. Director Pinto added that part of the concern was because of future improvements to the road. Commissioner Adams could not understand the logic, but knew the cost had been driven up by 300; she wanted to know what could be done to reduce it. Chairman Macht thought local engineering practice should prevail from a practical standpoint, based on experience, and would be surprised if engineering experience in that field would not dictate use of plastic pipe as a much more prudent, cost-effective, and long-lasting procedure. Commissioner Adams asked if there was something the Board could do to help DOT change their requirements. Capital Projects Engineer Bill McCain, advised that these concessions resulted from many meetings with DOT, with some involvement from Public Works on the improvement projects which will be taking place on that portion of Jungle Trail. He explained that typically DOT requests that ductile iron pipe be utilized, 5 BOOK 9 April 11, 1995