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Council approves Maroon Creek trail change order after heated debate
Summary
After lengthy debate about geotechnical surprises and project oversight, Aspen City Council approved an additional spending request for the Maroon Creek multi‑use trail to address unexpected subsurface conditions; staff said pausing work would raise costs and recommended building to durable standards.
The Aspen City Council on Sept. 24 approved a change order for the Maroon Creek multi‑use trail after a contentious discussion about cost overruns and project management. Parks and Open Space Director Matt, presenting the request, said contractors encountered substantially more unsuitable topsoil than the initial geotechnical survey indicated and staff forecasted an additional funding need on the order of about $790,000 to remove and replace that material.
"When we're constructing a mile‑long trail ... in this glacial till environment, there's gonna be pockets of deep soil," Matt said, arguing that building to proper standards now will avoid costlier repairs later. Several council members said they were frustrated with the timing and communication. "This just feels irresponsible," council member Bill said, calling the late change order process "blindsiding" for the council and taxpayers.
Staff told the council that pay applications lag one to two months, complicating the timing of final accounting, and that there may be some savings (staff estimated roughly $250,000) but those could not be counted on in the final request. Council debated options including pausing work, building on an unimproved subsurface (which staff did not recommend), or approving the spending to complete the trail as designed. The council approved Resolution 115 on the Maroon Creek multi‑use trail by roll call (approved by recorded tally).
