Council approves $70,453.90 pay request and change order for park building; city share negotiated

The Dell Rapids City Council approved two construction-related items for the new park building: Pay Request No. 6 from APX Construction for $70,453.90 and Change Order No. 1 to change the building orientation and kitchen location. Staff reported Pay Request No. 6 covered masonry, carpentry, plumbing, HVAC, electrical and earthwork/utility work; the contractor had poured interior floors and installed most of the roof trusses.

The council later considered Change Order No. 1, which alters the building orientation so a large door opens to the south and east and moves the kitchen to the northwest corner. Staff said the original change order cost was $27,027.78. Negotiations produced a revised split in which SEH Architects will pay half, APX Construction will forgo markups and insurance on that portion, and the city's share was listed in the meeting as $12,227.10 (staff noted a minor $0.50 transcription discrepancy). Staff recommended approval of the change order.

Council members asked how the city will prevent similar errors on future projects. Staff responded that standard sign-off processes — involving the architect, contractor and an authorized city representative — were not followed on this project and that the city will employ that sign-off procedure on future projects.

Council approved Pay Request No. 6 on a motion from Councilmember Chuck, seconded by Councilmember Bob. Change Order No. 1 was moved by Councilmember Chad and seconded by Councilmember Bob; the council voted to approve both items.