Board approves change order for Nesbajani Ditch reconstruction; contractor seeks $94,514 and time extension

The County Drainage Board on Thursday approved a change order for the Nesbajani Ditch reconstruction that adds grading and bank‑height work and includes a contractor request for $94,514 and a time extension reported in the meeting record. The change order covers new work north and south of Fillmore: grading revisions north of State Road 2 to raise bank heights based on hydraulic modeling and revisions requested by “GM,” and a plan to use excavated material south of Fillmore to abandon and fill the existing ditch rather than spreading it on the floodplain north of Fillmore. The contractor requested $94,514 and a time extension described in the record as “7 to 5 days.” The presenter said portions of the work have been completed — specifically the raised bank heights north of State Road 2 and along GM’s outfall — but that other elements remain unfinished. The record notes these added tasks were not part of the original contract and therefore are being handled as a change order. The board approved the change order with the condition that the county’s redevelopment commission also approve the work; the presenter said that redevelopment commission action is scheduled for Sept. 16. The record also notes documents in the packet require Mr. Dieter’s signature. Why it matters: the change responds to hydraulic modeling and partner requests that altered the project scope after construction began, increasing cost and schedule risk for a public drainage project. The board’s contingent approval moves the contract amendment forward but ties final implementation to the redevelopment commission’s upcoming vote. Next steps: the change order will proceed if redevelopment commission approval is obtained; the record shows remaining work and the contractor’s payment request will be reconciled as the change order is completed.