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Medina council approves $368,772 change order after failing sewer lines found under courthouse
Summary
Council approved a $368,772 change order to replace deteriorated sanitary and storm sewer infrastructure discovered under the municipal courthouse during renovation work; council members said the work was unanticipated and the contractor has been paid for the completed work.
The Medina City Council voted to approve change order No. 2 on the municipal courthouse renovation to address severely deteriorated underground sanitary and storm sewer lines uncovered during construction. The change order adds $368,772 to the project beyond the original contract to replace—not merely line—the damaged piping.
Staff told council the sewer infrastructure under the courthouse was found to be in “very bad shape” only after demolition began, which made replacement necessary. The work, staff said, was outside the scope of the original contract and was undertaken once contractors exposed the piping; the contractor has already completed the additional work and the change order is to cover payment for those services.
Council members discussed contract contingencies and the possibility that savings in other bid divisions (framing, drywall, HVAC, electrical) might offset some of the extra cost, but staff cautioned that not all savings are guaranteed until all work is bid and finalized. Staff also said additional change orders remain possible as the project progresses, and noted a remaining connection step between the old courthouse and the 1969 addition was expected to finish this week, which will provide a clearer final accounting.
Members debated how to split the expense between city accounts. Staff said part of the cost would come from the city’s 301 account and the remainder from court‑related funds, but the precise allocation figures were described in approximate terms during the meeting and were not finalized on the floor.
The council approved the change order. A member recorded opposition during the voice vote, but the motion carried. Council members said they would return if further funding adjustments were required as the project neared completion.
The order affects ordinance number 20‑326 as an amendment to the original contract; staff indicated more change orders may follow as final work items and bids are reconciled.
