Utility board approves $231,009 amendment to close out GAC construction project

The Weatherford Municipal Utility Board voted to approve Amendment No. 2 to Plumber Associates, Inc.’s construction-phase services contract for the city’s GAC water-treatment project, authorizing up to $231,009.19 to extend inspection and construction management through final closeout.

Rick Schaeffer, the city’s water utilities presenter, told the board the additional Plumber Associates work is needed because Urban Infrastructure’s construction progress was delayed and city staffing changes required the firm to provide inspection services. "This amendment will have no financial impact on the city," Schaeffer said, explaining that the extra costs will be covered by liquidated damages withheld from the contractor.

Schaeffer provided an overview of contract accounting: the construction contract with Urban Infrastructure is roughly $8.4 million; Urban had invoiced about $8.3 million and the city had paid approximately $6.9 million, with retainage and liquidated damages applied against later invoices. Schaeffer said liquidated-damages recoveries are being used to cover Plumber Associates’ billed hours rather than increasing the city’s expenditures.

A board member moved to accept the staff recommendation; the motion was seconded and passed on an electronic vote. Meeting minutes record Ken Davis and Zach Smith participating in motions earlier in the agenda.

The board’s action authorizes staff to execute the amendment so Plumber Associates may continue construction management and inspection through project closeout. Schaeffer said staff will return with final accounting at closeout if additional reporting is needed.