Council approves change orders totaling $358,641 for wastewater headworks project; council hears design-scope concerns

Lake Jackson City Council on June 2 approved change orders No. 1 and No. 2 for the wastewater treatment plant headworks project, adding $358,641.03 to the contract and bringing the new contract total to $3,254,610.34.

Staff described the change orders as responses to design and constructability issues raised by the contractor after work began. The project includes a substantial bypass structure and contractors identified structural and safety concerns related to the original design. Staff said some structural elements and bolts were corroded and that the design required revisions to provide safe access and to meet windstorm and structural requirements. Because the lift-station timing and bypass work carry operational risk, staff said the second change order provides a safety net and requested the change while the contractor is mobilized on site.

Council discussed the cause of the changes, whether the design engineer or contractor bore responsibility, and the risk of litigation if the city withheld changes while construction was underway. Council members emphasized the need for clearer scope and better design-review practices for future projects; staff said the city has moved toward construction-management-at-risk and design-review changes to reduce similar issues.

Councilwoman Rhonda Seth made the motion to approve the two change orders totaling $358,641.03; Councilwoman Baker seconded. The council approved the change orders by voice vote. Staff said the project is projected to be completed by December 2025 and will be funded from the 2022 utility revenue bond.