Committee sets oversight cadence and debate over change‑order authority for wastewater construction

The committee discussed its oversight role during the construction phase of the wastewater project, including how to handle change orders, field directives and PCO reporting.

Staff proposed a standard monthly CPC agenda that would include budget spreadsheets and schedule updates, plus weekly lists of potential change orders (PCOs) circulated to members so the committee can flag items that may require formal review. The group also recommended aligning CPC meetings to follow on-site monthly progress meetings so members can discuss outcomes promptly.

On change-order authority, presenters explained a usual process: the general contractor issues a request or directive to the engineer, who evaluates legitimacy and issues a directive if it’s valid; OPM negotiates and reviews cost. Committee members suggested setting a monetary threshold for on-site decision-making — several participants referenced past thresholds (examples mentioned in the record included $5,000 and $25,000) — and advised the committee should be looped into substantive changes that materially alter scope or cost.

The committee also discussed a field-directive approach to keep work moving when immediate decisions are needed; staff said minor no-cost deviations can proceed but that anything with a cost implication will come through the OPM and back to committee. Members asked for timely notifications when potential PCOs could exceed modest sums so the committee can convene emergency meetings if necessary.

Next steps: staff to prepare recommended thresholds and a communication plan for PCO reporting and to upload final contract and bidding documents to SharePoint for committee access.