Dickinson County approves $12,674 change order to expand DD19 ditch repairs

Dickinson County officials approved a $12,674 change order to expand repairs on the DD19 open ditch after field inspections found additional scour, a failed tile outlet and surface pipe, and several beaver dams that are beginning to cause erosion.

Spencer, an ISG representative, told the board the contractor completed tree clearing earlier this spring and has begun side-slope and scour repairs. He said some scour locations had lengthened, requiring slightly more bank shaping than originally estimated, while other banks had re-established a toe so rip-rap originally proposed may no longer be needed.

"The contractor got out there earlier this spring and got the tree clearing work done," Spencer said, and added the changes to the repair plan are "approximately a wash" in cost when factoring reduced rip-rap needs against additional bank shaping. He also identified three additional repair items discovered in the field: a failed tile outlet, a failed surface pipe and several beaver dams, saying some dams are beginning to scour the banks and should be addressed while the contractor is mobilized.

The change-order amount discussed was $12,674, which Spencer said includes $8,782 in contingency; board members noted that removes most of the additional cost from the estimate, leaving roughly a $4,000 net increase to landowners compared with the previously provided contingency-inclusive estimate. Participants confirmed the cost estimate used the contractor's bid unit prices.

Kim moved to approve a change order that incorporates the additional repairs shown in the meeting documents; Levi seconded. Jordan reiterated the change-order amount as $12,674. The motion carried with recorded votes in favor from Kim, Levi, Steve Clark, Steve Bellard and Bill. Spencer said he would inform the contractor to proceed with the authorized work.

Board members and staff also discussed retainage and payments: participants confirmed the county has not paid the contractor yet and that the standard 10% retainage will be held. Staff offered to present a formal change-order form at the next meeting if the board preferred to sign documentation then.

The board also raised a concern about potential cattle impacts in some repair areas and noted that livestock issues would be addressed separately from the repair authorization. After the contractor authorization, participants exchanged informal remarks about beaver management.

The meeting ended when a motion to adjourn passed; the session was adjourned at 8:43.

What happens next: Spencer will notify the contractor to proceed with the expanded repairs and staff said a formal change-order form could be provided at the next meeting for signature if the board prefers documentation beyond today's verbal authorization.