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Council OKs geotechnical amendment for Aquatic Center after unexpected deep excavation
Summary
Council approved Amendment 2 to geotechnical services for the Aquatic Center after staff reported crews encountered unsuitable soils and an old leaking drain system at depths of roughly 14–16 feet, requiring added fill, contingency use and a proposed street closure for contractor access.
The council approved an amendment to geotechnical services for the new Aquatic Center after staff described significant unexpected subsurface conditions encountered during excavation.
Todd, public-works staff, told the council that while the original contract included a soil assessment to typical footing depths, crews encountered conditions 14–16 feet deep and uncovered an old pool drain system dating to the 1960s that had long been leaking into the subgrade. "When we started digging the deep end of the pool, we actually exceeded down around 14, 15, 16 feet," Todd said. He said that exposed, degraded piping had saturated and weakened soils, creating a need for additional suitable fill and alternative construction methods.
Council members asked whether the work was pushing the project over budget and raised contingency concerns; staff said they had placed $400,000 in contingency and estimated project contingency typically ranges from 4–10%. Todd also said staff offered to close North 8th Street to allow contractor mobilization and improve access for cement trucks.
With those clarifications, the council moved and approved Resolution F328 amending the geotechnical services contract so crews can complete the remaining work with necessary testing and materials.
