Board approves $23.7 million GMP amendment for early packages at Central Community and Sportsplex parks

St. Johns County commissioners adopted Resolution No. 2025-132 on April 15 to authorize Contract Amendment No. 1, a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) amendment with Wharton-Smith, Inc., for early packages at Central Community and Central Sportsplex parks, in a not-to-exceed amount of $23,725,745.

County staff explained that Wharton-Smith had been engaged for preconstruction services and value engineering under RFQ No. 1530. The two GMPs included in the amendment cover early packages such as site clearing, import fill, earthwork, underground utilities, long-lead electrical equipment and initial athletic field work: track and field, natural and synthetic soccer fields, multipurpose synthetic fields and athletic accessories for the Sportsplex; and clearing, earthwork, a pond and long-lead electrical equipment for the Central Community site.

Public comment asked about permissible delays tied to state emergencies and how the contract addresses claims and schedule adjustments; staff described contractual review processes that allow the county to deny claims not supported by contract provisions.

The board voted 5-0 to adopt the resolution authorizing the county administrator, or designee, to execute Contract Amendment No. 1 with Wharton-Smith, Inc., in the not-to-exceed amount recorded in the staff report. The amendment also adjusted contract language to reflect progress and mutually agreed changes to the contracting process.

The action authorizes county staff and Wharton-Smith to proceed with early construction packages under the terms of the GMP amendment; subsequent GMPs and final construction phases will return as required by contract procedures and county policy.