Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Bridal Brook Project topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves $82,344 contract amendment for Bridal Brook/Fulton Park project after close 4-3 vote
Summary
Council approved a second contract amendment with Kelowna Concrete & Asphalt for $82,344.40 to cover change orders (riprap, sheet piling, tree work, rock blasting, three-rail fence) net of a sidewalk credit; vote was 4-3 after debate over alternates, contingencies and ARPA funding.
The New London City Council approved a second contract amendment with Kelowna Concrete & Asphalt for $82,344.40 to cover several change orders on the Bridal Brook/Fulton Park project, in a 4-3 vote.
Director Cyr described the project bidding approach (base bid plus alternates), explained unforeseen underground conditions that required additional work (sheet piling, deep pile foundations), and listed value-added items now billed as change orders: riprap lining to stabilize a swale, sheet piling, tree work (removal of poor-quality trees and replanting with specimen trees), rock blasting for pile installation and a three-rail fence in a pocket park. Director Cyr also noted a $61,008.75 credit for sidewalk work that the city will not perform.
President Pro Tem Hart and other councillors probed the distinction between alternates, change orders and contingencies; Attorney Estep said he could not opine without the specific contract language before the council, and Director Cyr explained alternates were bid prices that were held and then executed. Finance staff confirmed the amendment is funded from ARPA allocations and existing project contingencies.
Council approved the amendment by voice vote tally "4-3" recorded in the minutes. Supporters said the work was necessary to finish the project and involved unforeseen site conditions; opponents raised procurement-process concerns and questioned whether some work had already been completed before council approval.
Why it matters: The amendment covers additional costs on a publicly funded improvement that aims to reconnect freshwater and waterfront areas and improve public access. Debate centered on procurement transparency and use of ARPA funds.
Next steps: Staff said the bridge portion should be in place by mid-January and remaining paving in April, weather permitting; the project team will continue to manage punch-list items and schedule a ribbon-cutting when practical.
