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Lorain County approves $2,500 change order to contractor for Gerber property clearing, staff notes wet conditions
Summary
Commissioners approved a change order to Hammer Down Industries for selective tree clearing on the Gerber property in Eanes Township after crews mobilized in wet conditions; staff said the change order covers weather- and mobilization-related costs and explained coordination with a larger contractor.
Lorain County commissioners on May 23 approved a change order to Hammer Down Industries for selective tree clearing at the Gerber property after work was halted because of wet, soft field conditions.
A public commenter, Brian Baker, raised concerns before the vote, saying he was puzzled contractors were seeking an early $2,500 change order near the start of work and warned that early change orders could indicate a pattern of contractors using change orders to recover bid shortfalls.
County staff explained the payment request arose after wet mid-March conditions forced Hammer Down and a second contractor (Marks Construction) to remove equipment to avoid damaging soft ground. Staff said Hammer Down left the site, later returned to complete the work and submitted $2,500 for mobilization and weather-related costs. Staff described the choice to pause as preferable to risking damage to a field that will become a wetland and said the larger contract that followed was worth approximately $3.4 million.
Why it matters: County staff and commissioners said protecting the site and avoiding pre-construction damage justified the extra cost; staff noted the Hammer Down contract was nearly complete except for this payment. Commissioners asked staff to monitor the contract for additional change orders.
Discussion vs. action: The transcript records a motion to approve the change order followed by staff explanation and a recorded discussion. The transcript shows commissioners voting "Aye" on stormwater and related votes surrounding the item. The change order was described as payable from the county’s contractual services account.
Ending: Commissioners asked staff to watch for further change orders on the project. The transcript records staff saying crews adjusted methods (hand removal where necessary) to reduce site impact and then returned with machinery to finish work.
