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Davenport board approves roughly $78,000 in construction change orders, seeks talks with city to prevent post-bid costs
Summary
The Davenport Community School District board approved two change orders totaling $77,983.64 for projects with Bill Bruce Builders and discussed scheduling meetings with the city to reduce after‑the‑fact requirements that raise project costs.
The Davenport Community School District board approved two construction change orders with Bill Bruce Builders totaling $77,983.64 at its meeting, and discussed arranging meetings with the City of Davenport to try to prevent post‑bid requirements that add costs.
Board members approved change order 15 for $47,065.67 and change order 3 for $30,917.97 after motions and voice votes. Director Beck moved the change order 15 motion and Director Hayes seconded; Director Barnes moved change order 3 and Director Hayes seconded. The motions carried by voice vote.
The purchases stem from conditions raised by external parties after bids were issued. Director Beck told the board, “this is not a reflection of anything that we are doing as a district,” and described the change orders as coming after the district had completed its bidding and planning. District staff and board members said some requirements have been imposed after bid release by entities such as the city, MidAmerican Energy or utility contractors, forcing the district to accept later design or material changes that raise costs.
District staff said they plan to schedule meetings with city officials to identify why changes are arriving after 95% plans and specifications and to try to prevent similar occurrences going forward. A staff member said the district typically meets with the city about six weeks before bids are due but that the post‑bid changes have persisted.
Both change orders were presented as contract modifications to projects already under construction; the staff comments identified the pattern of post‑bid requirements as the reason for the expenditures and noted the district uses contingency funds for such items. No additional ordinances, statutes, or external funding authorizations were cited during the discussion.
The board did not record individual roll‑call votes; those present at roll call earlier in the meeting were President Klein Jerome, Director Beck, Director Barnes, Director Hayes, Director Ward and Director Potts; Director Poston was absent.
The board directed staff to pursue meetings with the city to seek process improvements that could reduce future post‑bid change orders. The items were approved and will be incorporated into the respective project budgets.
