Council approves Gerber change order for Hill Elementary pump station after cost and coordination review

The City of Big Rapids council approved a change order for Gerber Construction on the pump‑station work serving Hill Elementary/Mitchell Creek after staff and the contractor explained scope additions and coordination issues.

City staff and Gerber representatives explained that topography in the Mitchell Creek area created pressure issues for higher lots, prompting the need for pressure‑reducing valves for certain homes; the change order procures several valves for current installs and maintains a stock for future lots. Contractor representatives also explained a miscoordination between the door schedule and plan drawings that required ordering larger door leaves to create approximately 7‑foot openings for equipment access. The net change order presented included valve procurement, installation items and a reimbursement offset: an electric‑company meter move billed at just under $5,000 was paid directly by the city and deducted from Gerber’s contract.

Council asked for and received a cost breakdown. Staff cited an overall change amount presented as $16,269.50 before adjustments and confirmed a $5,000 deduction for the meter move, leaving a net of roughly $11,002.50 charged to the contract. Scott (engineer) reported that the new pump station has been fully operational for two weeks and that the old station is being decommissioned. Commissioners asked technical questions about valve pricing and installation costs; the contractor explained that lower per‑unit material costs (about $317) contrast with higher installed costs (about $2,100) for the few valves that required on‑site installation.

A motion and second to approve the change order were offered and commissioners indicated approval by voice vote. Staff said the station is functioning and final punch‑list and SCADA work are underway.