The Chemung County Land Bank Authority voted Wednesday to adopt a standing 10% contingency for construction change orders and took a series of property actions including approving a bid for 823 Johnson Street, authorizing a $48,400 change order for 406 South Walnut Street, and approving the joint listing of 406 South Walnut and 411 South Walnut for $120,000.

The standing policy on change orders establishes that contractors may approve change orders up to 10% of a contract amount without returning to the full board. Board members said the goal was to reduce delays caused by small, unforeseen repairs. One board member said, “10% for change orders,” and the measure carried after a motion, second and roll call.

Board members approved a bid award for construction work at 823 Johnson Street for the contractor identified in the motion as Griffin. A motion to approve the bid was made and seconded and carried on voice vote. The board scheduled a site walkthrough for 823 Johnson Street at 10 a.m. on Oct. 22.

The board authorized a change-order payment for work at 406 South Walnut Street in the amount of $48,400 and later approved listing 406 South Walnut and 411 South Walnut as a single sale with a listing price of $120,000, both measures carried on voice vote. The board also approved that the two properties be sold together as one listing.

Members approved contingent purchases and dispositions for multiple other lots: 416 West Third Street was approved for acquisition contingent on a clear title and payment of back taxes; 324 West Fourth Street was approved for purchase contingent on clear title and satisfying back taxes. The board also voted to decline further action on 974 East Clinton Street, instructing staff to avoid pursuing that property.

Several motions and approvals were handled during an executive-session portion of the meeting to discuss property prices, after which the board returned and confirmed the actions.

Votes at a glance

- Motion to approve bid award for 823 Johnson Street (Griffin): moved by Speaker 1; seconded by Speaker 5; outcome: approved (voice vote).
- Motion to set a standard 10% contingency for change orders (standing policy): moved by Speaker 1; seconded by Speaker 2; outcome: approved (voice vote).
- Approval of change order for 406 South Walnut — $48,400: moved by Speaker 3; seconded by Emma; outcome: approved (voice vote).
- Approval to list 406 South Walnut and 411 South Walnut as one sale — listing price $120,000: moved by Speaker 1; seconded by Speaker 6; outcome: approved (voice vote).
- Approval to purchase 416 West Third Street contingent on clear title and payment of back taxes (purchase amount = back taxes): moved by Michelle; seconded by Warren; outcome: approved (voice vote).
- Approval to purchase 324 West Fourth Street contingent on clear title: moved by Warren; seconded by Brent; outcome: approved (voice vote).
- Motion to decline involvement in 974 East Clinton Street (avoid purchase): moved and seconded; outcome: approved (voice vote).

Why it matters

The new 10% change-order policy is intended to speed repairs and construction work on land bank-owned properties by giving staff and contractors limited flexibility to address unforeseen conditions without repeated board approval. The property approvals and listings move the land bank toward demolition, rehabilitation or resale on multiple parcels in neighborhoods the authority has targeted for stabilization.

What board members said and next steps

Board members emphasized that change orders are typically for unforeseen issues (termites, hidden structural problems) and said the 10% cap reflects prior experience. The board directed staff to update policy documents to reflect the standing contingency and to continue with executive-session follow-ups as needed on acquisition prices and lien checks. Staff will proceed with the approved bids, change orders and listings and return to the board with any items that exceed the 10% threshold or involve new acquisitions requiring different approval terms.

Ending

Staff will proceed with the approved work and listings, pursue title checks on contingent acquisitions, and report back on any change orders that exceed the new 10% threshold. The board will hold the previously scheduled executive-session follow-up on property pricing and contract contingencies as planned.