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Committee approves several construction change orders after debate over missed plans and premiums
Summary
The Warwick School Committee approved change orders including PCO #11 ($27,218) after discussion about missing electrical items on the plans and possible contractor premiums; PCO #12 and PCO #20 were also approved, and PCO #31 was proposed but its vote was not recorded in the provided transcript.
Committee members approved multiple construction change orders after extended discussion about whether missed items should have appeared on original plans and whether the district was paying a premium for late-added work.
PCO #11: Staff presented PCO #11 (Holloman — additional electrical work) for $27,218, explaining engineers issued sketches after bid and that unit heaters and bathroom circuits were not shown on original drawings. Several members questioned whether the change represents a legitimate extra cost or a premium tied to timing and delivery method. One committee member said the situation gives them "pause and concern" as the district moves into multiple renovation projects; another noted contractual caps on overhead and profit (subcontractor 6%, GC 10%) and said the committee would require backup documentation before approving any change estimate.
After debate, a motion to approve PCO #11 was moved and seconded; the record shows two recorded nays and the chair announced the motion carried.
PCO #12: Staff described a permanently mounted vertical panel solution to replace rotted fascia discovered at a library entrance; the committee said the solution would reduce future maintenance and unanimously approved the change order.
PCO #20 (EW Burman): After arbitration with contractor and engineer over duct penetrations and conflicts with existing electrical conduits that were not shown on the plans, staff recommended approval; the committee approved $11,905 for EW Burman.
PCO #31 (RFI 38): Staff presented an item tied to unclear specifications around the building management system and who provides power/control for the system. Staff proposed splitting responsibility and suggested $7,879 as a fair compromise; the provided transcript ends after a motion and second without a recorded vote.
Committee members directed staff to continue close oversight of plan development and to require detailed backup, hourly breakdowns and certified payroll where appropriate before approving future change orders.
