Providence Council approves emergency repairs for hot water tanks at 444 Westminster

The Providence City Council voted to approve a resolution finalizing repairs to hot water tanks at 444 Westminster after a contractor requested a change order that increased the contract beyond the 20% threshold that triggers council review.

Councilwoman Anthony moved to pass the resolution on the floor, citing urgency because one of two hot water tanks serving the building had failed and the other could fail during cold weather. The motion was seconded; the council adopted the resolution on a voice vote with the ayes prevailing.

The resolution covers a contract that the council said originally totaled $19,400. During installation, the contractor discovered an improper expansion tank that required replacement; the contractor requested an added $5,650. Because the change exceeded 20% of the original contract amount, staff referred the matter to the council for final approval rather than sending it to the finance committee.

Council members who spoke on the floor emphasized the timing and risk of the remaining tank failing during cold weather as the rationale for acting on the resolution at the meeting rather than referring it for regular committee review.

The resolution directs the city to pay the additional change order to complete repairs at the leased property owned by Joseph Palino; the council record notes that under the lease the city bears the cost of repairs. No further implementation dates or contract vendor names were specified on the floor.

The council took the vote during the meeting’s consent/regular business sequence and then moved on to other agenda items.