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Council approves wastewater change order and funding for West 15th water main replacement
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Summary
Council approved a $190,300 budget amendment to cover a wastewater treatment plant manifold pipe cleaning change order and approved funding adjustments to cover a $259,200 shortfall on the West 15th waterline replacement, plus $373,000 for mill and overlay work from Powell Bill funds.
The Newton City Council on June 3 approved additional funding for two utility projects after staff described scope changes and funding gaps.
Public Works Director Dennis Falder told council that an inspection and cleaning project for a 36‑inch manifold pipe feeding the wastewater treatment plant uncovered additional broken valves and an existing tee that had to be removed for cleaning. Those unplanned removals and delays increased contractor and rental costs, pushing the project’s estimated total to $379,260. Staff requested and the council adopted a budget ordinance amendment recognizing $190,300 in excess investment income to cover the increase.
Falder also described the West 15th Street and North Deal water main replacement. Construction bids resulted in a contract award to TP Howard’s Plumbing, Inc. for $2,000,000; the project bid with a 5% contingency was $1,726,900, leaving a funding shortfall of $259,200. Staff recommended using Water and Sewer Fund balance to close the shortfall. He said the mill and overlay portion of the work (Alternate #1), needed to prevent repeated street cuts at each address, totals $373,000 (including a 5% contingency). Powell Bill funds were recommended for that portion because state funds used for the dam project are not eligible for resurfacing.
Council approved the budget ordinance amendments and funding transfers as presented so both the wastewater cleaning and the West 15th water main replacement can proceed.
Falder said weather and material delays contributed to the schedule slip and higher pump rental and fuel costs; council adopted the change order amendment unanimously.