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Board approves two change orders for stormwater projects after higher bids, design changes
Summary
The Water Quality Board approved change orders for two FY24 projects—one at 2514 Regency Road and another at 2592 Bolombo Drive—citing higher construction costs, additional erosion-control requirements and minor design changes after bid results.
The Water Quality Board approved two change orders for FY24 stormwater projects after staff and applicants presented bid results and design refinements that increased project costs.
Charlie Hall, who identified himself as representing the project engineer team, presented the first change order for the 2514 Regency Road (Acquisitions LLC) project. Hall said field infiltration testing yielded higher infiltration rates than expected, which allowed a smaller outlet pipe and the use of on-site infiltration rather than connection to the public right of way. He also told the board that increases in material and labor costs, erosion-control requirements and permeable-paver subbase prices contributed to the higher bid totals.
Hall summarized the project—s original budget and the change-order totals as presented to the board; he characterized the net increase as driven by market cost escalation and by items underbid in the initial application. A board member asked whether the asphalt next to the building would be removed and replaced; Hall said that portion would be milled and regraded but remain asphalt to reduce costs.
Board discussion noted that the change orders were validated by competitive bids and that the total remained within the program—s maximum award. One board member disclosed a personal acquaintance with the project owner and recused themselves from the vote on one of the items.
The second project, at 2592 Bolombo Drive, also showed higher costs due largely to inflation in labor and materials and an increased extent of storm-sewer work and excavation. Presenters said the design change closes an open swale with a bioswale and adds permeable pavers on the edges of a parking area. The low bid for that project was presented and staff recommended the change order to cover increased quantities and general-condition costs.
Board action: The board voted to approve the change orders as recommended by staff. A board member recused themselves on one of the votes because of an acquaintance with the project owner; the remainder of the board approved the change orders by voice vote.
Why it matters: Higher-than-estimated construction costs and additional erosion-control requirements can materially affect grant-funded stormwater projects. The board—s change-order program and reserve funds are designed to preserve projects when bids come in above original estimates.
Implementation: Staff said the program has retained a change-order balance and that, even with the approved increases, both projects remained within the maximum allowable award and the program—s change-order budget. Staff will finalize the grant amendment documents and return executed agreements to the board office.
