New water director warns of construction quality issues and schedule risk at treatment plant

City water director Carrie Aitken told council she is concerned about quality-control, supervision and scheduling problems on the water-treatment-plant construction contract and described an extensive on-site review with Bowen Engineering leadership.

Aitken said she and staff walked the project with Bowen's president and project superintendent and identified installation problems, rework and sequences that have caused delays. "There's a lack of supervision and just quality issues and project scheduling delays," Aitken said, adding the meeting lasted from 9 a.m. until about 1 p.m. and produced an extensive list of items the contractor must address.

Aitken said the current contractor project schedule shows a final completion date of June 8; staff asked Bowen to identify remedial steps and increase on-site resources to accelerate progress. She said Jacobs (the engineering firm) has been documenting issues, the city will assemble a formal punch list, and Bowen asked the resident inspector to compile items for contractor attention.

Council members pressed for clarity on final responsibility and warranties. Aitken said responsibility depends on the item but noted bonds and warranties typically protect the city and that engineering and commissioning support will remain through the start-up period. A council member requested monthly status updates; staff agreed to return regularly and to contact council if Bowen does not respond within ten business days.

Next steps: staff will compile the punch list, request a written response from Bowen Engineering and the contractor, and provide monthly reports to council until the project returns to an acceptable schedule and quality standard.