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Council approves community center change orders, soil testing and $585,000 settlement for permit delays
Summary
Councilors approved multiple change orders for the $40 million community center project—including a $476,195 construction change order and a $21,165.35 environmental testing change order—and approved a $585,000 settlement for delayed damages related to permit delays.
The New London City Council approved several contract change orders and a settlement tied to the community center project during the Dec. 2 meeting, and authorized the mayor to sign related documents.
Key approvals included: a construction change order totaling $476,195 (funding described as available in project contingency line 36417-399-54500 COMCT), a GZA environmental services change order for $21,165.35 to cover additional soil testing related to contaminated-site work, and a settlement agreement related to delay damages with SP Plus for $585,000 plus authority to finalize documents related to unpaid work by subcontractor Stated Engineering Associates Inc.
Staff explained the financial effect: Director Reyes told council the community center remains within its guaranteed maximum price (GMP) of $40,000,000; the approved change orders draw on contingency funds previously set aside for expected delay impacts and site conditions. The $21,165.35 GZA invoice covers additional soil testing to characterize contaminated or regulated soils so they can be responsibly relocated or accepted by receiving sites. Finance staff said contingency funds and prior budgeted amounts cover the change orders rather than increasing the project’s GMP.
Councilors discussed transparency and timing. Councilor Sadi asked whether the change orders would increase the $40 million budget; staff replied the contingency covers this work and the GMP will not increase. President Pro Tem Peck and other councilors thanked staff for ongoing communications about change orders. The council then approved the settlement agreement for late damages and authorized the mayor to sign.
Why it matters: The community center is a large capital project for the city; change orders, contingency draws and settlements affect project cash flow, contractor relations and schedules. Soil-testing costs and contaminated-site handling are typical drivers of unexpected costs on formerly industrial sites.
Next steps: Staff will execute change-order documents, proceed with soil testing and consultant work, and finalize settlement documentation as approved. Councilors requested continued regular updates.
