Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Infrastructure topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Branch Connection project to continue while city finalizes bond sale, staff says
Summary
The board heard that bonds for Phase 2 of the Branch Connection passed; staff hope to keep the contractor working via a change order and reimburse the general fund from bond proceeds, with council review in July and phase completion targeted by the end of the year.
Staff updated the board on financing and scheduling for the Branch Connection Phase 2.
Speaker 1 reported that voters approved the bond for the remaining Phase 2 portion and said the city met with the finance director to plan expedited work. To avoid stopping construction for the bond sale, staff proposed issuing a change order to the contractor (who bid the entire project) and using general fund balance to front the Phase 2 work, to be reimbursed when bonds are sold later this summer or in September.
Speaker 1 said staff plan to take the financing approach to council in July and are targeting completion of Phase 1 by the end of August; staff estimated Phase 2 would take about 10 weeks after approval, which could put final completion near the end of the year depending on approvals and contractor scheduling.
Why it matters: maintaining contractor continuity could reduce delays and cost increases. Staff framed the approach as contingent on council approval and bond sale timing.
Next steps: staff will prepare materials for council review in July and coordinate with the contractor to firm a Phase 2 schedule once funding mechanics are approved.
