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Board approves resolution to execute HVAC change order after vendor mis‑measurements; district to pursue recoupment
Summary
The board approved Resolution 1655‑24 to authorize a construction change order for rooftop HVAC installations after staff explained that vendor Siegler mis‑measured roof curbs; ESSER funds pay the installer now and staff said they will pursue credits or reimbursement from the vendor.
The Chico Unified School District Board on Aug. 21 voted to adopt Resolution 1655‑24 authorizing execution of construction change order number 003 related to rooftop HVAC package installations at multiple school sites.
Julie Kissel, presenting the item, described the timeline: the district purchased HVAC units with ESSER (federal COVID relief) funds and engaged a contractor (UBC) to remove existing units and install new equipment on a compressed schedule that included helicopter deliveries. Once installation began, staff found many of the pre‑purchased roof curb adapters did not fit. "The vendor, Sigler, sent out their representatives to field‑measure all of our curbs... and they did make mistakes in measuring," Kissel said, explaining the district had to have new curbs fabricated and installed quickly to keep the construction schedule and FAA‑cleared helicopter lifts.
Kissel told the board that Public Contract Code constrains the percentage a change order can exceed an original contract and explained why staff recommended working with the contractor already on site to complete the work. She said installation contractor UBC had advanced the corrective work so the project could proceed and that district staff (Joe Morris, director of maintenance) is pursuing credits or reimbursement from the vendor for the incorrectly sized curbs.
Board members questioned responsibility and controls. One member said the vendor's mis‑measurement "should be on them" and urged the district to seek recoupment; Kissel confirmed staff are pursuing funds back from Sigler. Finance and procurement context provided: the initial equipment‑installation amount approved earlier was about $900,000; the change order covers fabrication and installation of the correct roof curbs and related work (change order number 003). Staff said they would seek vendor credits where feasible.
A substitute motion to table the resolution was offered but received no second; the board then proceeded to a roll‑call vote and approved Resolution 1655‑24. The motion to adopt was made by member Landau and seconded by member Robinson; the vote was recorded as unanimous.
Next steps: district maintenance staff will continue to pursue reimbursement or credit from Sigler and report back as appropriate; the transcript contains no final dollar amount for the change order in the meeting record.
