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Council authorizes increased contingency for Mueller Park retaining‑wall project after unexpected debris found
Summary
Bountiful City Council authorized expenditures up to 125% of the accepted contract price for the Mueller Park retaining wall and roadway improvements after the contractor encountered unexpected buried debris and organic soils; staff estimated an immediate additional excavation/import cost of about $22,000.
The Bountiful City Council on Aug. 26 authorized an increase in the construction authorization for the Mueller Park retaining wall project after contractors uncovered unanticipated buried debris and organic soils during excavation.
City engineer Lloyd Cheney told the council the team discovered curb, gutter, concrete and other materials when the contractor began excavations and that native ground was deeper than expected. Cheney estimated an additional immediate expense of about $22,000 to remove unsuitable material and import suitable fill. Because small unit-price changes on the remaining work items could materially affect the project total, engineering staff asked for authorization to exceed the original contract by up to 25% (i.e., authorize expenditures of up to 125% of the accepted proposal).
Cheney said he preferred not to make additional geotechnical borings at greater expense and instead recommended using the contingency to complete the work correctly now rather than leave problems for a future repair. Councilmember discussion acknowledged the unexpected conditions and supported the increase so the project can be completed without repeated change orders.
A motion to authorize the expenditure of up to 125% of the accepted proposal for Taylor Electric for the retaining wall and roadway improvements passed by voice vote.
