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Commission approves change order to close Rivermouth lift station work as city pursues warranty claims
Summary
Facing multiple pump failures, the commission approved a final change order to pay Spence Brothers for completed Rivermouth lift station work and authorized pursuit of warranty recovery from the pump manufacturer; commissioners debated engineering choices and cost recovery options.
The Boyne City Commission approved change order No. 4 to finalize payment to the general contractor for the Rivermouth lift station project, while staff said the city will pursue warranty recovery from the pump manufacturer for pumps that failed in service.
Staff explained the project has extended over multiple years and that EBARA-supplied pumps installed under contract did not operate reliably in the field. The city has returned pumps to the manufacturer for testing and indicated it will demand reimbursement and warranty performance; in the meantime the commission approved contractor payment to close out the work.
Commissioners pressed staff and the city's engineering consultant about specification and selection of pumps and discussed whether recovery claims should be directed at the vendor, the engineer or both. Staff said the claim is being pursued against the pump manufacturer for labor and replacement costs related to removing and reinstalling pumps and documented overtime.
The commission approved the change order and authorized the city manager and clerk/treasurer to execute the necessary documents to finalize payment to the contractor. Staff said they will continue collecting documentation of overtime, parts and contractor charges to support warranty recovery efforts against the pump supplier and will return with updates on recovery progress.
