Carl Junction approves 2025 storm-damage repairs contract; solar-array removal flagged in change order

The Carl Junction Board of Aldermen moved and approved an ordinance on July 1 to contract with Smith Construction to perform storm-damage repairs to city facilities, and members discussed a forthcoming change order to remove repair work on some solar arrays and instead remove damaged panels.

Aldermen put the ordinance through readings and approved final passage by a hand/roll-call style vote recorded as seven in favor and one absent.

The city’s representative explained that the contract covers storm-damage repairs to multiple facilities and that a change order to be presented at the next meeting will remove the repair of damaged solar arrays and replace that scope with the removal of the arrays; some undamaged arrays will be relocated and reused. The representative said the city has submitted the claim to its insurer; the event carried a $1,000 deductible and the city expects reimbursement subject to the insurer’s assessment.

The ordinance language read at the meeting referenced the contract documents and terms but the meeting transcript did not include a final contract dollar figure in the item discussion. The clerk read portions of the title identifying the contractor as RD Smith Construction Company (also transcribed elsewhere as RE Smith/Ari Smith), and aldermen asked counsel whether the contract covered removal of damaged items and how insurance would apply.

Council members also asked whether the scope included removal of particular arrays and where intact arrays would be relocated; staff said some arrays that are in good condition will be saved and reused at other locations.

The ordinance was advanced by motion to read by title and then put on final passage; the council approved final passage during the meeting. The city will post the change order for review and present it for approval at a subsequent meeting, city staff said.