Boulder approves O'Keefe bid for Well 5, accepts $54,000 change order and releases pay application minus retainage

The Boulder City Council on May 19 accepted the City Engineer's recommendation to award the Well 5 contract to O'Keefe Drilling and approved related contract payments and a cost-reducing change order.

At a council meeting attended by Mayor Russell Giulio and four councilmembers, Eric Blanksma of engineering firm Morrison‑Maierle told the council that the well had been much shallower than originally anticipated and was producing a maximum of about 400 gallons per minute. As a result, the project generated Change Order #3, which reduces contract costs by $54,000. The council voted 4–0 to approve the change order.

Blanksma also presented Pay Application #3 from O'Keefe Drilling; the council approved payment in full less the standard 5% retainage, leaving a retainage amount of $49,446.79 to be paid when final retention conditions are met. City officials confirmed the retainage will be released next month pending project completion milestones.

Earlier in the meeting, the council reviewed bid tabulations prepared by City Engineer Elly Schmelzer. O'Keefe Drilling was identified as the lowest responsible bidder for Well 5 with a bid of $142,895; the council accepted that recommendation in a unanimous vote.

The council's approvals keep the water project moving toward completion while preserving customary retainage protections for the city. No public comment was offered on the item. The council recorded motions and carried each by a 4–0 vote; the council will monitor progress and retainage release as the project proceeds.