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Wesley Chapel expansion moves forward amid delays and change orders; trustees press for contractor accountability
Summary
Trustees approved Builderscape as the low bidder for the Wesley Chapel Cemetery expansion and later signed off on specific change orders for surveying and bridge abutment adjustments while requesting daily contractor reports and preservation work for exposed features.
Norwich Township’s Wesley Chapel Cemetery expansion has advanced through bidding, contract award and phased construction during 2020, but trustees and staff have repeatedly flagged timing, site protection and change-order costs.
The board awarded the expansion contract to Builderscape, Inc., as part of a budgeted capital plan that included columbariums and a 10% owner’s contingency. Early in the construction sequence trustees denied two Builderscape change orders related to additional survey, mobilization and bridge abutment adjustments; Builderscape followed with communications explaining site conditions and requesting approvals. At a July progress meeting the board and OHM Advisors reviewed the reasons for the change orders and asked for improved contractor documentation and daily work reports.
Administrator Jamie Fisher said the project team has focused on completing the center plaza, setting pavers, installing the bridge and placing trees and benches. Trustees authorized a preservation plan for the concrete cold-storage area after Builderscape exposed elements during grading and agreed to pay the contractor’s invoices from May (deposits for benches and metal work) while holding the larger June invoice until further performance documentation was provided.
Trustees also approved a limited number of change orders when staff and the engineer confirmed the technical need, including surveying and minor abutment adjustments. At the same time they instructed Builderscape to restore erosion control (silt fence) and to maintain tree and plant protection during the winter months. Trustee Charles Wm. Buck specifically requested that OHM and the contractor verify silt fencing and protect new plantings.
The work remains largely funded by the Township’s capital allocation, with contingency funds reserved for unanticipated site conditions. Mrs. Fisher noted that if the township receives a state capital grant the project’s timetable would shift to comply with grant requirements and that certain finish items (benches and final landscaping) may be scheduled for spring installation.
Next steps: Builderscape will supply daily work reports, OHM Advisors will verify compaction testing as requested by trustees, and administrators will monitor erosion control and schedule bench installation when weather and grant timelines permit.
