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CSWD approves $485,586 HVAC change order and $76,127 excavation reimbursement for MRF project
Summary
The Chittenden Solid Waste District board on March 25 approved two MRF construction change orders — $485,586.20 for HVAC ducting and smoke-evacuation work and $76,127.70 for unforeseen below-grade clay excavation — and asked staff for an updated cash-flow forecast.
The Chittenden Solid Waste District board approved two construction change orders for the new materials recovery facility during its March 25 meeting, increasing the project's current estimated costs but, staff said, remaining within the project contingency.
Why it matters: The two approved changes — $485,586.20 for HVAC work and $76,127.70 for unforeseen below-grade conditions — represent material budget movements that the board said require an updated cash-flow forecast and continuing finance committee oversight.
Project background and reason for change orders Project staff and the contractor described the larger HVAC change order as the result of design revisions after conversations with the fire department and the Department of Fire Safety about smoke evacuation. Project representatives said earlier allowances covered an initial estimate, but further design and NFPA-related conversations led to a revised duct size and increased HVAC scope. Josh, a project representative, described a negotiated compromise between the engineer’s higher estimate and the original allowance and said the contract bid produced the final figure.
The second approved change order reimbursed ReArch and SDR Island $76,127.70 for additional excavation and stone fill where clay was encountered at the site. Staff said the condition was unforeseen despite earlier test pits and that the subcontractor advanced funds to keep the project moving.
Board response and fiscal follow-up Commissioners pressed staff for a consolidated cash-flow and contingency update tying together cost and revenue projections for the MRF. Leslie asked for a clear, regularly updated forecast that accounts for revised tonnage and forthcoming operating and marketing contract bids. Staff said they would provide a dashboard-style update for the board and bring a revised cash-flow forecast to the next meeting and to the finance committee.
Votes and procedure The board moved and seconded each change-order motion and approved both on voice votes. Earlier in the meeting the board accepted the February 25 minutes as amended with one abstention recorded.
Next steps: Staff will compile a net summary of change orders (positive/negative) and present a consolidated cash-flow forecast and contingency status to the finance committee and the board at an upcoming meeting.
