Brainerd City council approves $12,881.74 change order for roundabout; extends completion to Oct. 31

Brainerd City council approved change order number three for Improvement 2313 — the roundabout project — authorizing approximately $12,881.74 in net changes and extending the project completion date to Oct. 31, Public Works staff member Jesse told the council.

Jesse described six sections in the change order. Sections one and two were tied to the state transportation agency’s portion of the project (the transcript uses the term "Mindot"). Section three addressed the need to raise a sanitary manhole in the median; section four involved removing a buried, older sign foundation discovered during excavation; and section five required excavation and repair of failing subgrade on the east leg prior to paving. Jesse estimated the aggregate impact of the city-specific items at roughly $13,000 but said sections four and five are eligible for state aid and HSIP grant reimbursement, which will reduce the city’s net cost.

On reimbursement, Jesse explained that the city does not receive grant money up front: “grant money is a reimbursement,” he said, adding staff will submit for reimbursement for HSIP-eligible items after project completion. Councilman Chzik asked about the completion date; Jesse confirmed moving the contract end date to Oct. 31 — the date the roundabout opened to traffic — and said the original end date was believed to be Oct. 10 but he could not confirm that with 100% certainty.

A council member moved to approve the change order and another council member seconded; the council voted in favor and the motion carried. The approval authorizes staff to process the change order, pursue reimbursements for eligible items, and proceed with final project closeout paperwork.