Housing board lets executive director approve Maple Gardens change orders up to $50,000
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Summary
The Fall River Housing Authority authorized its executive director to approve change orders in the field for the Maple Gardens Gateway project with a $50,000 cap, while requiring designer and state construction-advisor concurrence and monthly updates; National Grid electrical work (~$62,000) was discussed as a separate scope.
The Fall River Housing Authority voted to let its executive director approve change orders on the Maple Gardens Gateway project up to $50,000, a measure board members said is meant to avoid work stoppages on a roughly $8.2 million state-funded project.
Executive Director Kevin asked the board for permission to sign change orders in the field when necessary so contractors would not lose weather windows or momentum while waiting for a monthly board meeting. He said he would not approve any change without a designer recommendation and the construction advisor’s approval from the state. “We’re about 8,200,000.0,” Kevin said of the project budget, underscoring the potential for multiple unforeseen items during construction.
Board members debated a dollar threshold and alternatives. One commissioner proposed a $25,000 threshold and monthly notice for larger amounts; others urged $50,000, or a percentage tied to individual subcontracts, to give the executive team latitude on time-sensitive work. Commissioners emphasized the need for guardrails and monthly reporting back to the board. The executive director said he would inform the board and provide supporting documentation for all approvals.
An exception-style discussion focused on required National Grid work to upgrade underground electric service and install transformer pads. Kevin said the utility’s required scope came in at about $62,000; commissioners agreed National Grid is a unique, single-vendor situation that may not fit a strict $50,000 cap but noted the item is not a change order in their procurement terminology, rather a required scope for electrical service.
Commissioner [motion maker] moved to grant the executive director authority to approve change orders for the Maple Gardens Gateway project up to $50,000, with a commitment to monthly updates; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.
The board also discussed alternatives such as using percentage thresholds for particular subcontract packages and agreed the authorization applies only to the Maple Gardens Gateway state project (EOHLC #095177). The executive director reiterated he would not sign any approval without the designer’s recommendation and the state construction advisor’s concurrence.
