Board approves time extension and additional work as Zaragoza Street project moves toward closeout

The Laredo Investment Board on Jan. 14 accepted a contractor time extension and approved change orders and coordination services needed to complete the Zaragoza Street public‑improvements project.

City and consultant staff told the board most construction is finished but one remaining supplier delay — custom stone caps and brick veneer for a small retaining/seating wall — prevents final closeout. Edward Ochoa, project manager with KCI, said the project team held a pre‑final inspection on Jan. 15 and issued a punch list to the contractor. “The contractor has done pretty much all of them already,” Ochoa said. “The only pending item is the stone cap and the brick veneer … we received the updated bid from the manufacturer yesterday … he’s gonna get that ordered.”

The board formally accepted a no‑cost time extension to allow the contractor to finish those punch‑list items. The extension was moved and seconded and approved by voice vote; the board did not record a roll call tally in the transcript. The board discussion referenced an estimated 4–6 week manufacturer lead time for the custom stone caps.

Separately, the board authorized a change order with the project contractor to upgrade several in‑ground utility boxes and landscape access enclosures to more durable, permanent products as part of the same Zaragoza Street contract (FY '24 ENG‑67 Zaragoza Street Improvements Project). Staff explained the change would replace multiple small, round irrigation boxes with a consolidated, larger enclosure (described by staff as roughly an 18 by 30 inch box) to improve durability and aesthetics; staff said the electrical junction/valve boxes in the sidewalks number six (three in the sidewalk and three inside planters). The board approved the change order after staff said the work would remain within the previously authorized contingency limits.

Board members also discussed tree selection and landscape follow‑up. Staff advised the existing magnolias are likely too large for some planter locations and said replacement species will be reviewed with an architect consultant. A landscape walkthrough was proposed and will be scheduled; the board discussed posting that site visit so members could attend.

The board approved invoices and final support services tied to the Zaragoza work and directed staff to continue coordinating with vendors so remaining closeout items can be completed once the stone caps arrive.

How this matters: The approved extension and upgrades clear the way for formal project closeout and help ensure the installed elements (utilities, planters, and seating) are durable and easier to maintain, according to project staff. The board emphasized completing punch‑list items quickly once the materials arrive.

What’s next: Staff said the contractor placed the stone‑cap order the day before the meeting; if the 4–6 week manufacturing estimate holds, installation and final sign‑offs would follow. The board will receive updates at upcoming meetings and will post the landscape walkthrough for members and the public to attend.