Torrington council approves $42,780 amendment for East D Street inspection and administration

The Torrington City Council voted July 7 to approve Amendment No. 1 to the professional services agreement with MC Schaff & Associates, adding $42,780 to cover additional construction administration and inspection time on the East D Street improvements project.

Public Works Director Jeff Harkins said the original design contract and subsequent construction work have required three change orders that together added 48 calendar days to the project schedule. Don Dye, construction manager for MC Schaff & Associates, told the council the amendment covers additional inspection hours and that the firm bills actual hours, so the city will not pay more without prior notice.

Harkins reported the original construction contract with Eric Reichert was $6,075,831.58; after change orders the construction total is $6,178,464.24. With the amendment, MC Schaff’s budget would increase to $566,198; Harkins said $7 million in project funding remains available and the project is still within budget. Don Dye explained that substantial completion had shifted with the change orders and that the contractor may face liquidated damages if it extends beyond the revised schedule.

Council members asked about the change-order causes (a required storm sewer manhole, trench flooding and a proposed intersection reconstruction at 30th Avenue and East D Street), how long inspections would continue and the process for testing poured concrete. Dye described daily inspections, slump testing and cylinder samples returned to a lab for 7-day and 28-day breaks.

Council approved Amendment No. 1 by voice vote. Dye said the amendment covers inspection hours through the most likely updated schedule and that any hours beyond the amendment would require council approval.