The Redlands City Council approved a first amendment to the public-works construction contract for the 2023 CIP Water Pipeline and High Line replacement project, increasing the contract contingency by $480,000 and authorizing an appropriation from the Water Fund.

Staff presentation: scope and reason

Municipal Utilities and Engineering Director Harris told the council the project involves replacing a large, roughly 70-year-old transmission line that serves the Reservoir Road/910 pressure zone and has experienced recurring breaks that require time-consuming repairs on private properties. The replacement moves the transmission main into public rights-of-way to reduce recurring emergency repairs. Unanticipated work — including full-width paving on Overcrest Drive and additional piping — depleted the original contingency; the amendment restores contingency to avoid construction delays.

Vote and financial detail

Council approved the contract amendment and the additional $480,000 appropriation from the Water Fund. The project contract plus the renewed contingency is still part of the previously authorized ~$12 million pipeline replacement program; staff said the $480,000 may or may not be spent but is necessary to avoid delays in authorizing work.

Project importance and next steps

Harris said the high-line feeds a significant portion of the community and that the emergency break earlier in the year had left many customers without water for days, illustrating the importance of completing the replacement. Staff will provide additional updates as construction progresses and will report any further contract adjustments if needed.