Board authorizes chair to approve plumbing placement for coroner's suite pending formal change order

County construction staff reported that the morgue and sheriff storage building has progressed to stem-wall and below-slab plumbing work, and that the contractor is beginning framing and foundation work.

Staff asked for authorization for the chair to sign an interim directive so the contractor can change the location of an in-slab plumbing run for the coroner's procedure suite. The requested directive would allow the contractor to proceed while the formal change-order paperwork is completed.

A commissioner moved to authorize the chair to sign such a directive; another commissioner seconded the request and discussion followed about the scope. Staff said some in-ground plumbing work is already being installed this week and that issuing a written contractor directive would avoid delays while paperwork is finalized.

Commissioners noted additional design clarifications discussed with the coroner (for instance the logistical orientation of sinks and gurney routes) and raised standard construction questions about grading, aprons and drainage around doors.

Staff reported they may need to issue a contract clarification directive (CCD) to authorize work immediately while change-order pricing and documents are prepared; they said the change is likely necessary to avoid future rework and may reduce cost versus alternative adjustments.

The board supported allowing the chair to authorize the contractor directive for the coroner suite plumbing placement pending the formal change order. Staff said they would report back with finalized change-order documents when available.