Franklin City approves change orders on water tower transmission-main contract; ARPA language cited

The Franklin City Water Commission approved two change orders affecting Contract C of the Lower Lane water tower and transmission-main project.

Change order number 1 added a service lateral to the work in lieu of paying a property owner for an easement, according to staff. City staff said the lateral was not in the original bid documents and therefore required a contract amendment so the work could be performed under the current contract. The commission approved the change order by motion and voice vote.

Change order number 2 increased the contract price and extended the contract schedule by 175 days. Staff said the time extension was tied to valve production delays. They also told the commission that the contractor had not budgeted for federal contracting requirements associated with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding; those requirements — including wage and subcontract language — created higher-than-expected labor costs for subcontractors. City staff said the city will use ARPA funds to cover the contract-language-related reimbursement to the contractor for unexpected labor costs. The commission approved change order number 2 by motion and voice vote.

During the project update, staff said Contract A is complete, Contract B is progressing (tank and on-site mains), and Contract C includes the transmission-main work that required the change orders. Staff noted the new water tower pedestal is in place on Highway 100 south of Target and that painting and final work await suitable spring weather.

The motions were approved by voice vote; the transcript records the motions, seconds and “all those in favor, say aye,” but does not record roll-call vote tallies or the names of movers and seconders. Staff said the contract adjustments will be incorporated into the city’s project records and that the work will continue as weather and production allow.