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Council members press staff on $22,000-plus design change-order estimate
Summary
Council members questioned a roughly $22,750 estimate for additional design work tied to an approved exterior change, noting the figure exceeded the project's design contingency and that contractors control change-order pricing under the existing contract.
Council members raised concerns about a design change-order estimate connected to previously approved exterior revisions during discussion of the consent calendar. One council member asked whether the $22,000 figure covered materials; staff clarified the fee was for plan updates and structural review rather than material changes, and that material costs would be determined at bid.
A staff representative said the contractor followed the contract's change-order procedures but that the final price had increased roughly $1,000 from a prior rough estimate. The chair noted the amount "went up 1000 to $22.75, which is over our...design contingency," and a council member urged caution because change orders can substantially increase project costs when contractors control pricing.
Members discussed options to vote on items separately or to "spread it out," but the council ultimately approved the consent calendar containing the change-order authorization. Staff indicated the exact material cost is "not specified" in the packet and will be known only after the bid process.
