The Rowan County Board of Education voted to approve a change order and closeout paperwork for the bleacher replacement project at its Nov. 19 meeting. Suzanne Erwin, a project manager and architect with Ross Tarrant Architects, told the board the change order documents three items: additional on-site fencing requested and verbally authorized Oct. 18, a 13-day extension to the substantial completion date for weather delays, and a deductive credit of $9,600 related to special inspections and testing.

Erwin said the change order formalizes days requested earlier in the year and ensures the contract’s substantial-completion date is clear. Board members asked for clarification about the fencing placement; staff explained the additional sections prevent gaps near stairways where people could otherwise enter the area. Erwin said the additional inspection and testing related to rebar adjustments instigated by the contractor and that all test reports show the work met structural specifications.

The board approved the RTA #23063/BG #24-246 change order by voice vote and then approved the Kentucky Department of Education BG-4 closeout form for Omni Commercial. The board also approved payment of an $11,900 invoice to Solid Ground for the special inspections and testing associated with the project; administrators said that amount will be deducted from Omni Commercial’s contract, making the district’s net cost neutral for that item.

The board’s approvals complete the administrative steps required for contract closeout and payment for the inspections; Erwin said all observations and test reports have been received and that the documentation is complete. The board did not record a roll-call tally; votes were taken by unanimous voice vote.