Council approves change order and budget amendment to finish Riverside Park whitewater wave

The Town Council voted Dec. 9 to approve a contract amendment for Caliber (S2O/Caliber) Engineering and a related budget amendment to cover additional construction-administration services tied to the Riverside Park whitewater wave project.

Staff explained the work: construction did not proceed under the original approach contractors anticipated, inspectors were required more frequently than planned, and Hurricane Helene added scope and costs. Shannon Tuck explained the contract amendment is an amount "not to exceed" the figure shown in the agenda materials; the staff packet and oral presentation included a figure of $118,488.50 for the change order, although the motion text transcribed at the meeting record differs (see clarifying details).

Council discussed whether contractors had adequately scoped the riverbed and bedrock conditions and whether the project team could reduce inspections for phase two; staff said they will review methods to limit future inspection counts. Finance staff explained the budget amendment (Ordinance 2025-21) reallocates funds within the Parks Capital Project Fund—moving available amounts from professional services and construction line items—to avoid using General Fund appropriations.

Councilmember motioned to approve the change order and the budget amendment; the change order motion passed on a recorded voice vote (five yes votes), and the budget amendment was approved by voice vote. Staff said the town will pay only for actual invoiced work and that further project-level amendments may return to council as later phases are finalized.

Next steps: staff will meet with the contractor and engineer to seek ways to reduce administration visits for phase two and will return to council if additional appropriations are required.