Council approves $27,616.44 reimbursement for winter masonry work at Pelican Rapids Aquatic Center

The Pelican Rapids City Council voted Sept. 24 to reimburse the contractor $27,616.44 for extra winter‑condition work on the Pelican Rapids Aquatic Center, Councilmembers said.

Scott of Design Intent, the project's consultant, told the council the masonry subcontractor had to keep block and mortar heated while it cured during last winter’s cold snaps. “You can’t let mortar freeze when it’s curing — it turns to sand and won’t hold,” Scott said, explaining why the crew maintained heat and monitoring for about a 30‑day cure period and is now requesting reimbursement for those additional costs.

Scott said the work in question is complete and that remaining items include sealing the burnished block, interior epoxy flooring and cabinetry, restroom fixtures, and installation of changing-room partitions. He said the project team had scheduled a substantial‑completion inspection for Oct. 11, with the contractor aiming for substantial completion on Oct. 10, after which staff will compile a punch list.

A councilmember moved to reimburse $27,616.44 from the project fund; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. Council discussion noted that bidding could have accounted for winter provisions up front but that adding them would have increased bid prices initially.

The council did not change the project’s schedule at the meeting; staff said they expect final punch‑list work within two weeks of the inspection, weather and subcontractor availability permitting.

What happens next: the consultant will provide council staff with the contractor punch list ahead of final inspection, and staff will return any additional change‑order requests to the council for approval.