Council approves contract amendment and inspection work for water resource recovery facility

The Mankato City Council on Jan. 13 approved a resolution authorizing an amendment to the professional services agreement with Black & Veatch for the city’s water resource recovery facility project and approved adding Bolton & Menk for inspection services.

City staff said recent staffing changes and a project review showed a need for additional project management and inspection oversight across the multiyear water-resource program. The city manager’s report described a multi-segment approach to amendments and inspection work so the city can “right size” inspection and change-order authority each year as the project progresses.

City staff asked the council to authorize the city manager to increase the capital project budget for CIP 32261, described in the motion as “water resource recovery facility — digester and disinfection improvements.” Council member Lavin moved approval of the resolution; Council member Tampa seconded. The motion passed on roll call and the council recorded unanimous support.

Why it matters: The project is a long-duration, complex capital improvement effort; the council’s action funds and authorizes additional inspection capacity and a contracting approach intended to preserve flexibility for future change orders.

Next steps: Staff will bring back segmented contract amendments and annual inspection budgets as the project advances.