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Board approves $211,068 amendment to distribution and collection system project
Summary
The board approved a budget amendment totaling $211,068 to close out a citywide distribution and collection system project, citing unexpected water-main breaks, added paving and higher relining costs.
The City of Burlington Board of Finance unanimously approved Jan. 13 a budget amendment to cover final overages on a multi-year distribution and collection system project.
City staff said the four-year, citywide project — which replaced and relined water and sewer mains and rehabilitated stormwater pipes — came in with a shortfall of $211,068. DPW staff told the board the requested increases are $52,000 for the water budget, $49,000 for the sewer budget and $109,000 for the stormwater budget to allow final payments to contractors.
DPW officials said several unplanned events and cost pressures drove the overages. A major water-main break on Puneen Street required more extensive paving and sewer replacement than anticipated. A relining project on Ledge Road encountered more ledge and pipe bends than expected, requiring additional excavation. Presenters also cited increased lining-material and fuel costs that emerged after the project scope was set.
Councilor Barlow moved the motion to approve the two actions listed in the agenda item; Councilor Carpenter seconded. The motion carried unanimously.
Staff characterized relining as a cost-effective tool in many locations but noted it is not universally preferable to full replacement where open-trench installation provides longer useful life. The budget amendment completes the project closeout and authorizes final contractor payments.
