County to pay $12,006 change order to finish Station 62 storm drain; staff will seek Rocky Mountain Power contribution

County engineering staff asked commissioners to approve a $12,006.57 change order to finish a storm-drain extension that ties into the Eden Acres subdivision and serves Fire Station 62. Gary Myers introduced the item and said the contractor had to leave material and steel plates on-site after a newly installed power line conflicted with the pipe flow line; “The amount he's asked for is $12,006.57 and 50¢,” Myers said.

Background: the storm drain project extends to the North Fork of the Ogden River and was intended to provide positive drainage for Station 62—s apparatus apron, which previously flooded and froze in snowmelt. During the contractor—s work a power line installed by Rocky Mountain Power was discovered in the trench alignment and subsequently needed relocation before the contractor could complete the pipe.

Why it matters: staff said the contractor—s original contract was about $87,000 and the requested change order is approximately 14% of that contract value. Staff explained the change order funds are requested to cover materials left on-site, traffic control, plate installation, demobilization and remobilization costs.

Discussion and next steps: commissioners expressed concern that Rocky Mountain Power—s unmarked line caused the delay and directed staff to pursue reimbursement from Rocky Mountain Power. Gary Myers said he would contact the utility and return with an update; staff asked the commission to approve the change order so the contractor is not held up. Commissioners agreed they did not want to delay the work but encouraged staff to seek reimbursement from the utility.

Action: commissioners indicated support to proceed with the change order so the contractor can finish the storm drain; staff will attempt to recover the costs from Rocky Mountain Power and report back to the commission.