Clearlake council approves $25,500 amendment to Highway 53 drainage contract after staff clarifies spreadsheet error

The Clearlake City Council on Sept. 19 approved an amendment adding $25,500 to an existing contract with Northwest Construction for drainage improvements on Old Highway 53, citing necessary work to lift a drain inlet and add asphalt overlay to maintain proper flow.

Director Labo said the city had executed the original contract to install drainage improvements but additional work exceeded the authorized 10% contingency. "Staff requests approval to authorize additional amount of $25,500," Labo said during the staff report. Later in the staff materials one line mistakenly displayed $825,500; staff and council clarified that the correct additional authorization requested was $25,500 and that $8,000 represented the amount exceeding the previously authorized 10% contingency.

Council members asked about the original contract amount and whether the project design had been inadequate. Labo reported the original contract was $174,005.90 and said extra asphalt and raising a drain inlet were necessary to maintain proper flow. When asked if the design was inadequate, staff responded, "From our perspective, yes." Council Member Slotin said the design engineer should take responsibility; staff said they would address that concern.

Vice Mayor Claffey moved to amend the contract with Northwest Construction to add $25,500; Council Member Kramer seconded. The council voted aye and the motion passed unanimously.

The amendment was described as necessary to ensure functionality of the drainage system; no public commenters were recorded for the item at the meeting.