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Council approves two school building change orders after debate; one vote 6–1
Summary
Council approved two change orders to Tower Construction — $4,768 for fire‑alarm work and $16,058.06 for ceiling framing — and corrected a fiscal note to $386,528. The larger change order prompted extended questioning about architect scope and prevailing wages and passed 6–1 (Councilor Bradley opposed).
The Cumberland Town Council on Sept. 18 approved two change orders for the town’s school construction project: resolution 24‑84 (change order not to exceed $4,768) for additional fire‑alarm system work required by the fire marshal, and resolution 24‑85 (not to exceed $16,058.06) to address ceiling framing and related labor. Council also directed a correction to a fiscal note, changing the listed unexpended balance to $386,528 before voting.
Director Crowley told the council the $4,768 change order covers fire alarm work identified by the town fire marshal and vetted by the building committee. "This work has to be done," Crowley said, adding the item was reviewed by the building committee and by the architect/associates. He said the change order is primarily labor and mandated by safety requirements.
Discussion of the $16,058.06 change order centered on ceiling tile and framing issues discovered when the ceiling material was installed. Crowley explained that once the ceiling was erected the project team realized the tiles were a softer material, which would indent where wiring and utilities run; the change order funds a furring system and labor to create a flat finished surface. Councilors repeatedly asked how this escaped earlier specification and whether the architect or general contractor bore responsibility. One councilor asked whether the architect should be asked to absorb costs. Crowley said subcontractors and prevailing wages explain much of the labor cost and that Secosha (the architect) had reviewed and approved the hours.
Councilor Bradley expressed opposition to the second change order at the vote. Resolution 24‑84 passed unanimously after amending the fiscal note; resolution 24‑85 passed 6–1 with Councilor Bradley recorded as the lone negative vote.
What’s next: Staff said they will provide detailed breakouts of change‑order hours and costs to the council and can invite the architect or contractor to a future meeting if members want direct answers about scope and bidding.
