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City staff cite supplier delays, trenching uncertainty as causes of Riverwalk cost increases
Summary
Staff told the commission that delayed deliveries of bollard components and possible deeper trenching at rail crossings have pushed schedule and labor costs for the Riverwalk lighting project; Parks Director Joan Dart McLean said staff will seek vendor concessions and a contingency to reduce future exposure.
Commissioners were told Jan. 21 that material and subsurface uncertainties are the immediate causes of schedule and cost pressure on the Riverwalk lighting project. Parks and Recreation Director Joan Dart McLean said staff had ordered bollard bases from the same supplier used by ODOT but were "very unfortunately surprised" when deliveries did not arrive, creating labor-cost pressure and schedule slippage.
McLean described the contractor's field observations: some crossings, including one at a rail alignment along the Riverwalk, may require deeper trenching or casing, with possible added costs she estimated between $12,000 and $17,000 for certain crossings. "We just don't have all the answers for what those cost increases are, so we thought we'd be as expedient as possible and bring this to the development commission to get the leeway we would need to hopefully complete the project," McLean said.
Commissioners asked whether the vendor might absorb some cost and whether the city could impose firmer delivery timelines for future orders; McLean said staff would continue pursuing cost relief given the city's substantial prior order and would consider stricter procurement timelines going forward. City Manager Spence noted staff hopes to recover some increased labor costs from the supplier where possible.
