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Smithville aldermen weigh alternative delivery methods for major public works projects
Summary
At a Nov. 18 work session, Smithville officials heard staff and legal briefings on design-build, CMAR and qualifications-based selection for large capital projects, with staff citing past delays and change orders and the board directing staff to explore options further.
At a Nov. 18 work session, the Smithville Board of Aldermen heard a presentation from Public Works Director Chuck Soules on alternative project delivery methods for several upcoming capital projects, including the wastewater treatment plant expansion and the Smith's Fork Park sports complex. City Attorney Padraic Corcoran reviewed relevant Missouri statutes that limit how the city can procure professional design services.
Soules told the board that recent city projects have faced schedule delays, material procurement issues and unforeseen site conditions that increased costs. He cited the Floating Aerator and Digester Improvements (2022–2023), which experienced a 79‑day material delay and change orders totaling about 5% of the contract, and a water treatment plant design that uncovered asbestos and triggered a $100,000 dewatering change order. Staff also said the 144th Street and West Bypass Project was delayed by property acquisition needs and a high volume of submittals (about 256), which extended review times and raised potential engineering fees.
Based on those examples, Soules argued that earlier contractor involvement could improve cost certainty, reduce change orders and identify constructability issues sooner. He presented alternative approaches including construction manager at risk (CMAR) — which allows contractor input during design and can deliver a guaranteed maximum price — and design‑build, where one entity handles design and construction. Soules recommended CMAR for complex projects needing contractor input and design‑build for large, time‑sensitive projects.
City Attorney Padraic Corcoran told the board that Missouri law requires a Qualifications‑Based Selection (QBS) process for procuring architectural, engineering and land surveying services and that design professionals must be licensed. He summarized statutory citations discussed in the briefing (RSMo §§ 8.285–8.291; § 327.421) and outlined the statutory mechanics and thresholds for the different delivery methods noted in the staff presentation.
The presentation summarized the tradeoffs: QBS focuses on selecting the most qualified design professional rather than lowest price; design‑build can speed delivery by overlapping design and construction but places more design risk on the design‑builder; CMAR allows early contractor input and can offer a guaranteed maximum price but requires careful role separation and compliance with licensure rules. The transcript records threshold figures discussed by staff and counsel, including the design‑build transcript threshold cited as greater than $7 million for non‑civil projects and CMAR thresholds cited in the briefing as greater than $2 million for civil and greater than $3 million for non‑civil projects.
Board members thanked staff for the detailed information and indicated support for staff to further explore alternate delivery methods. Staff said they will return to the board with more analysis and recommendations in the coming months, noting that upcoming staffing changes could affect project management capacity. No formal policy change or contract action was taken at the session.
The board then moved to adjourn; Alderman Dan Hartman made the motion, Alderman Kelly Kobylski seconded, and the board voted 6–0 to adjourn at 6:35 p.m.
