Title
Consider approving Resolution No. 2026-061 awarding a contract to MECA Construction, LLC, with a fixed bid amount of $893,625 for the Rawhide Trail Phase 3 Project; and take appropriate action.
Body
REQUESTOR:
Parks and Recreation Department
BACKGROUND:
The City of Farmers Branch is committed to investing in infrastructure and mobility improvements that enhance quality of life, improve neighborhood connectivity, and support safe and accessible recreational opportunities for residents. Continued investment in the City’s trail system reflects the City Council’s and community’s long-term vision of creating attractive, connected public spaces that encourage outdoor activity, alternative transportation, and community engagement.
As part of this commitment, work has been performed over the last several years to enhance and repair the Rawhide Trail in phased intervals. In September 2024, the City Council approved Phase 1 of the project, which focused on the north side of the trail between Webb Chapel Road and Josey Lane. Key enhancements included replacing the existing eight-foot-wide trail with a 12-foot-wide trail, excavation, tree removal, elevation improvements, and minor street and curb repairs.
Phase 2 of the project, approved by City Council in August 2025, continued the replacement of the eight-foot-wide trail along the north side of Rawhide Creek from Josey Lane to Tom Field Road. The project also included tree removal, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) improvements, grading and dirt relocation, and the installation of solar lighting along the new trail segment and portions of the previously completed trail phase. Upon completion, the north side of the trail between Webb Chapel Road and Tom Field Road became fully illuminated.
The City is now ready to move forward with Phase 3 of the project, which will widen a section of the existing concrete trail on the south side of Rawhide Creek along Golfing Green Drive, near the Manske Library main parking lot, extending west to Tom Field Road.
DISCUSSION:
Approval of Resolution No. 2026-061 will authorize an agreement with MECA Construction, LLC in the amount of $839,625 for the replacement of the eight-foot-wide trail along Golfing Green Drive near the Manske Library parking lot to Tom Field Road with a 12-foot-wide trail, and will widen existing sidewalk connections, add two new sidewalks near Onyx Lane and Josey Lane to improve trail access, and install solar lighting along the trail.
Construction will be phased to minimize disruptions and maintain trail access where possible. Tree replanting and sodding will be completed separately following construction, with substantial completion anticipated in early 2027. The trail segment behind the Manske Library is not included in this phase due to additional engineering, grading, slope, and accessibility considerations and is anticipated to be addressed in a future phase.
In early 2026, the City advertised the project for competitive sealed bids and received 21 bids, ranging from $893,625 to $1,483,543.50. Following review of the submitted bids, staff determined MECA Construction, LLC to be the best fit for the project based on bid amount, contractor experience, positive reference checks, and successful performance on an ongoing Public Works project with the City.
Approval of this phase of the Rawhide Trail project continues the City’s investment in improving neighborhood connectivity and expanding safe and accessible recreational opportunities for residents.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Budgeted financial impact of $893,625 using Trail Bond funds.
DISTRICT:
District 2
POSSIBLE COUNCIL ACTION:
1. I move to approve Resolution No. 2026-061 as presented.
2. I move to approve Resolution No. 2026-061 with modifications.
3. I move to table the issue for further study or take no action.
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. Resolution No. 2026-061
2. MECA Proposal and Forms
3. Standard Form of Agreement
4. Bid Tabulation
5. Presentation