Council approves wastewater change order to pay small subcontractor, awards cemetery contract

Council approved a construction change order (Change Order No. 1) associated with Wastewater Treatment Plant No. 3 that addresses a redesigned stormwater outfall and authorizes payment to a small subcontractor (Black Fox) who completed the work under BAR Constructors. Staff said the change order was advanced to provide funds so those workers could be paid while the city continues to process more than 50 outstanding cost proposals tied to the project; staff also said the city hopes to recover additional costs through ongoing legal processes.

Separately, the council awarded a construction contract to 304 Construction LLC not to exceed $494,265 for the Fairview Cemetery Block 9 project, covering flatwork, a shelter and columbarium installation. The funding plan calls for an FY25 general-fund loan to be reimbursed by cemetery operations.

Why it matters: The wastewater plant project has multiple pending change orders and subcontractor-payment issues; moving this payment forward was framed as a targeted step to reduce the risk of mechanics— liens and to keep smaller firms solvent as the city finalizes all contract closeouts. The cemetery contract advances a planned capital improvement funded in the city—s budget.

Council action: The change order and the cemetery contract were approved by roll-call votes; staff indicated additional change orders will come to council as cost proposals are resolved.

What to watch: Additional change orders and legal actions related to the wastewater project are expected to be presented to council in the near term; staff reported they are working with the city—s engineering consultants to reconcile outstanding cost proposals and to pursue recoveries where warranted.