Public Works approves minutes and multiple construction payments, change orders

The Public Works committee on Oct. 28 approved the Oct. 14 meeting minutes and voted to authorize several pay estimates and change orders for local construction projects, including sidewalk repairs, extensions to the 70 Second Avenue Trail and masonry work on the Jefferson parking ramp.

The actions moved routine contractor payments forward and approved two change orders on the 70 Second Avenue project; one change order will be cost-shared with the state Department of Transportation. Members conducted voice votes on each item.

Item 1: Approval of minutes Member 2, committee member, moved to approve the minutes of the Oct. 14 meeting, and Member 1, committee member, seconded. A voice vote was recorded and the motion carried.

Item 2: 2025 sidewalk repair project (ASD Ellenbecker) — Pay estimate #5 Staff presented pay estimate number 5 for the 2025 sidewalk repair project at ASD Ellenbecker for $8,360.76 and recommended approval. Member 1 moved to approve the estimate; Member 2 seconded. A voice vote was recorded and the motion carried.

Item 3: 70 Second Avenue Trail — Change orders Staff described two change orders for the 70 Second Avenue Trail extension. Change order No. 2 covers added nameplates on a retaining wall; because the wall was not identified as a bridge in the bid specifications, the state Department of Transportation agreed the item was not called out and would participate in the cost. Staff said this is a participating item with an 80% DOT share and a 20% city share and recommended approval of change order No. 2 for $1,260. Member 1 moved to approve; Member 2 seconded and the committee approved the change order by voice vote.

Change order No. 3 covers replacement of a valve box that was buried and not visible at surface grade when trail grading occurred; staff recommended payment of $730. Member 1 moved to approve change order No. 3; Member 2 seconded and the committee approved the payment by voice vote.

Item 4: 70 Second Avenue Trail South extensions from PGA — Final payment Staff reviewed the final payment for the 70 Second Avenue Trail South extensions and recommended approval of a total payment of $72,540.38. Member 1 moved to approve; Member 2 seconded and the committee approved the final payment by voice vote.

Item 5: Jefferson parking ramp repairs — Masonry restoration, Pay estimate #1 Staff and the committee discussed the first pay estimate for masonry restoration at the Jefferson parking ramp. Staff said the first payout is $456,398.50, reviewed by Walker, the committee's consultant, and recommended approval. During the discussion a larger, incorrect figure was briefly misstated and then corrected; staff clarified the committee is withholding a 5% retainage on the contract. Member 1 moved to approve the pay estimate; Member 2 seconded and the committee approved it by voice vote.

Votes at a glance - Approve minutes of Oct. 14 meeting — approved (motion by Member 2; second by Member 1; voice vote). - 2025 sidewalk repair project (ASD Ellenbecker), Pay estimate #5 — $8,360.76 — approved (motion by Member 1; second by Member 2; voice vote). - 70 Second Avenue Trail, Change order No. 2 (nameplates on retaining wall) — $1,260 — approved (staff noted 80% DOT / 20% city cost-share; motion by Member 1; second by Member 2; voice vote). - 70 Second Avenue Trail, Change order No. 3 (valve box replacement) — $730 — approved (motion by Member 1; second by Member 2; voice vote). - 70 Second Avenue Trail South extensions from PGA — final payment $72,540.38 — approved (motion by Member 1; second by Member 2; voice vote). - Jefferson parking ramp repairs, masonry restoration, Pay estimate #1 — $456,398.50 (5% retainage withheld) — approved (motion by Member 1; second by Member 2; voice vote).

The meeting concluded with a motion and second to adjourn; a voice vote carried.