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Commission approves $183,399 change order for Southeast Drainage Phase Two amid questions about frequent contingencies
Summary
The commission unanimously approved Change Order No. 1 for $183,399.83 to Rickman Construction for the Southeast Drainage Retrofit Project (Phase Two). Staff said contingencies (≈10%) are standard for the $30M+ project and an on-site inspector and negotiated review process verify change orders; commissioners pressed for tighter oversight after multiple sizable changes.
Dania Beach commissioners on June 23 approved Change Order No. 1 in the amount of $183,399.83 for Rickman Construction’s Southeast Drainage Retrofit Project (Phase Two).
Public Services Director Oscar Vasquez explained the context: the multi-phase drainage program is a 30+-million-dollar capital project and the practice is to allocate contingency funds (roughly 10%) for unforeseen subsurface conflicts or design corrections that only become apparent during excavation. He said many change orders reflect relocation of utilities, unexpected conditions and verified material and labor costs. The city has a construction engineering inspector on site and the city’s engineers and attorney review proposed changes.
Commissioners pressed staff over repeated and sizable change orders, recommended tougher verification of costs and clearer communication to residents when work affects trees and front-yard areas. Commissioner Ryan and others described specific neighborhood complaints about tree removals and contractor communications, and requested staff scrutiny of the subcontractor practices and negotiated pricing.
The vice mayor moved to approve 8.4 and Commissioner Romaine seconded; the motion passed unanimously.
Next steps: staff will continue to negotiate, document change-order costs and provide the commission with follow-up information on verification procedures and neighborhood impacts.
