Board approves $256,261 and $370,288 payouts and a $4,537 contract change; weighs Phase 2 SRF alternatives

The LaPorte County Regional Sewer and Water District Board on Jan. 27 approved two contractor payments for the Hudson/Saugony project and signed off on a minor change order, while asking staff to develop alternatives for a Phase 2 State Revolving Fund (SRF) submittal.

At the meeting the board approved TGB payout number 6 for $256,261.03 after staff reported about 2,000 feet of pipe had been installed despite difficult weather and that the project is roughly 40% complete on the schedule. The board moved and carried the payout by voice vote.

The board also approved Contract B pay application number 4 for $370,288.34. Staff explained an apparent negative quantity for some 2‑inch pipe on the pay application stems from measurement rules: pipe within a structure is recorded as part of that structure rather than as separate pipe footage. After that explanation the payout was approved by voice vote.

Staff recommended Contract B Change Order No. 5, a set of minor field adjustments that included replacing some grinder‑station types; the change order results in a net contract deduction of $4,537.35 and was approved by the board.

The project manager reported nearly $300,000 remains in construction contingency for future pay orders or other uses. Board members asked for continued detail on change orders and contingencies; staff pointed the board to the construction update spreadsheet that outlines the current contingency balance.

Beyond near‑term payments, the board discussed scope choices for a Phase 2 submission to the SRF in March. Staff presented two alternatives: (1) focus construction on areas immediately surrounding Hudson Lake, build Pump Station 8, extend the force main to Pump Station 7, and expand the existing TP‑3 plant; or (2) build out the remainder of Saugony Lake under the capacity of TP‑3 and construct a smaller package plant on Hudson Lake’s southeast side, avoiding Pump Station 8 and reducing overall construction cost by several million dollars. Staff said SRF scoring has favored projects keyed to Hudson Lake in prior cycles and that the alternatives and cost estimates will be presented again at the Feb. meeting so the board can approve an updated Preliminary Engineering Report (PER) for submittal before March 31.

The board was told SRF typically returns scoring results by midsummer (usually July), so staff recommended limiting any public hearings or commitments until the district knows how much subsidization it receives. The board also heard a status update on land acquisition, with a few easements still unsigned; staff said they will continue to pursue outstanding signatures.

The board adjourned the construction‑related business after approving the payouts and the change order. The district plans to review detailed cost options at its February meeting and then vote on the PER resolution before the March SRF submission window.