St. Joseph County commissioners approved several construction and facilities actions during their Dec. 1 meeting, including change orders that close out or adjust ongoing projects, a plaza winterization RFQ award, and a security-contract addendum.

Skye Matters, Department of Infrastructure Planning & Growth, presented the final change order for the Fillmore Road Improvements (IEC area) that deducts $26,100.12 from the project total because it came in under bid; commissioners approved the deduct. County staff also presented a final change order for the Hamilton Trail structure replacement: due to low temperatures and site conditions the contractor applied asphalt rather than the planned chip seal, producing an increase of $23,106.64; the board approved that change order as the final closeout.

Bree Roberts, director of physical assets, explained Addendum No. 1 to the county’s security-services agreement with Trinity Protection Group, saying the change aligns the county’s rate with the City of South Bend and defers an annual 4% rate increase until 2027. Commissioners voted to approve the addendum.

On plaza and tunnel work, staff recommended Brown and Brown General Contractors as the low proposal to winterize the exposed plaza area and provide temporary structures and surface treatment needed to continue work through cold weather. DLZ project staff said the work is a temporary measure that addresses surface sealing where temperatures must be at least 40 degrees for proper curing. Commissioners approved the RFQ award that included an add of $27,475 for the winterization scope.

Finally, the board approved change order No. 3 to the courthouse dome and roof rehabilitation project to amend the substantial-completion date into January; staff said there is no cost change and that a small punch list remains for low-slope/TPO roof areas. The change order extends time to allow weather-dependent work to conclude.