Smithville staff recommends CMAR for $7M wastewater expansion to limit delays and change orders

Public Works Director Chuck Sulls told the Board of Aldermen at a work session that the city's wastewater treatment plant is at capacity and needs expansion. He said the capital improvement plan includes a planned new sequencing batch reactor, upgrades to UV disinfection and electrical systems, and that the project cost is "running upwards of $7,000,000 for that project."

Sulls urged the board to consider an alternative delivery method for the large, complex project and recommended CMAR (construction manager at-risk). He described the proposed process: hire an engineer to 20–30% design, issue an RFQ to select a CMAR, then collaborate with the engineer and contractor to refine constructability, schedule and materials and set a guaranteed maximum price so the contractor assumes construction risk. "We're hoping that alternative delivery methods integrate the design and construction process where we bring the contractor on early on," he said.

Supporters on the board said early contractor involvement could reduce change orders caused by unforeseen site conditions. Sulls noted recent procurement and equipment delays, including a generator delay on 44th Street that may require a contract extension. He also reported an asbestos finding in a filter on a separate plant project; initial tests have been nondetect and final lab results were pending.

The board expressed general concurrence with the approach and Sulls said staff will prepare the necessary resolutions for the board to formally designate projects for alternative delivery at a future meeting. No formal vote on the CMAR method occurred during the work session.