Council delays decision on Country Manor utilities after plan discrepancy raises potential $50,000 cost

Council debated a developer request tied to Country Manor's sewer and water stub locations after staff and the developer discovered the maps used to prepare construction specs did not match field conditions. Council members said the discrepancy could shift roughly $50,000 in additional costs to the developer, staff, or some negotiated split.

During discussion Public Works Committee Chair Tad Ericson summarized committee concerns and said staff would work to clarify the location of mains and the precise cost impact. A city staff representative noted one option is to let the contractor finish and then present the final cost.

Council member Chzach pressed the point that incorrect plans had led to unnecessary expense, saying in the meeting transcript, "to just say we're gonna cover all the cost here, that's absolutely ridiculous to think that we should be responsible for work that would have been done anyway had we had the correct information." The council did not resolve liability at the meeting.

Gabe Johnson said he supports helping the developer but wants accurate numbers: "I do think we should be responsible for it, but I think it is reasonable to make sure that we know exactly how much work we're doing or paying for." After discussion council amended the committee motion so staff will return the item "when the work is done" with detailed line items and cost estimates rather than by the August 18 date originally proposed.

The motion to hold the decision until the work is complete carried. Staff will notify council when the contractor has finished and will present final cost accounting and any recommendation about cost responsibility.