Council approves Thirtieth Avenue reconstruction contract and change order to replace PVC water main

The Moline City Council on March 4 authorized a $1,957,886.72 contract with Walter D. Laud, Inc. for Project 1483 (Thirtieth Avenue Reconstruction) and approved Change Order No. 1 for $57,128.40 to replace PVC water main pipe with ductile iron.

Why it matters: The project addresses a long-standing street condition on Thirtieth Avenue that staff and council discussed as an overdue improvement for residents in the affected ward. The change to ductile iron for the water main increases durability and reflects guidance staff cited from EPA literature.

What the council approved: City staff recommended the Walter D. Laud bid for the Thirtieth Avenue project. Council moved and approved the contract and immediately approved a change order to substitute ductile iron for the originally planned PVC water main. Staff said the change order was driven by EPA literature and the city’s preference for ductile iron where feasible.

Council discussion: One council member noted it was “a first for me” to approve a change order right after awarding a contract but observed that even after the change order the total contracted cost remained lower than the initial bids from other contractors, and that the change was ultimately in the project’s interest. Staff emphasized the long-standing local need for the project and its benefits to residents of the affected ward.

Implementation notes: Staff identified the engineering and public-works teams as responsible for administering the contract and implementing the change order. The approved change order is recorded as Change Order No. 1 and increases the overall contract by $57,128.40.

Sources: City staff presentation and council remarks recorded in the March 4 council meeting transcript.