Board approves $72,874 change order after storm damage and utility delays on Area 7 flood project

The Waukesha Board of Public Works approved contract change order #2 for the Area 7 flood mitigation channel and storage improvements project on Feb. 5, adding $72,874.28 to the contract with Edgerton Contractors to cover storm-related rework, unexpected bedrock, and costs caused by utility conflicts.

City staff detailed several additions: redoing work damaged in heavy rain, installing bedrock anchors where higher-than-anticipated bedrock prevented use of standard earth anchors (a less costly alternative to removing bedrock), hydrovacing and extra work tied to third‑party utility conflicts. Staff stated specific utility-delay impacts and costs: AT&T delayed work by 14 and 21 days on separate items and We Energies caused 44 days of delay; staff summarized some recoverable costs to We Energies of $38,428.80 and a full change order total of $72,874.28.

A city staff member said, “We will be going after We Energies and AT and T for these costs,” and described instances when the contractor could not proceed because utilities were not relocated as promised. Board members asked whether FEMA assistance had been sought; staff said FEMA declined assistance for these construction impacts.

A motion to approve the change order was made, seconded and carried; recorded ayes were Cassin, Kevin Riley, Piper, O'Donnell and Payne.

Staff noted the contract likely will need an extension to account for delays but that extension would be considered after project completion and review of the full impacts.