Council approves $162,000 extension for GHD inspection services on wastewater plant expansion

Jill, the town administrator, asked the council to approve an extension of Task Order No. 28 with engineering firm GHD for construction‑management and inspection services tied to the wastewater treatment plant expansion.

Jill told the council the original task order, signed Sept. 6, 2022, covered construction management and inspection for the expansion. She said the contractor has struggled to secure labor, leaving the project roughly 85% complete and about 180 days beyond the original substantial‑completion date. The town has continued to use a dedicated GHD inspector at the facility and arranged for GHD inspection support for the water‑tower kickoff at Meadow.

The proposed extension adds time and scope to cover final construction oversight, post‑construction reporting required for the new discharge permit and assistance on reporting tasks during the first 12 months after permit issuance. Jill said the original task order included a $45,000 credit for a pilot study that the town chose not to pursue; the credit was reflected in the revised contract amount.

Motion and outcome: a councilmember moved to approve Task Order No. 28 for continued inspection services for the wastewater treatment plant expansion in the amount of $162,000; another councilmember seconded. The motion passed by voice vote (recorded as "Aye" in the transcript); no roll‑call tally was recorded in the audio.

Council discussion included a note that liquidated‑damages calculations remain subject to final negotiation and that the town will negotiate any penalties arising from delays with the contractor. Jill said the additional $162,000 includes scope for post‑permit reporting and daily inspection coverage while the project finishes.

Ending: The task‑order extension was approved; staff will continue contract negotiations on potential delay claims and proceed with close‑out activities once construction is complete.