The predominant topic of discussion was the wastewater treatment project, where change order number six for Daniel O’Connell’s Sons was approved at a cost of $332,942. This change order is one of several, collectively exceeding $1.1 million in additional expenditures yet staying under the 10% threshold of the contract value. The project, initially budgeted at approximately $45 million, has encountered several unforeseen issues during construction. Significant changes included relocating sludge cake loading grain lines and installing an additional 100 feet of electrical duct bank, which accounted for $33,000 of the cost. Other notable adjustments were necessary due to asbestos removal, corroded vent pipes, and plumbing modifications influenced by local jurisdictional requirements.

The contractor has projected a new completion date of December 2, having surpassed the original deadline of July 31. The commission is in discussions about a time extension requested by the contractor. Concerns were voiced over potential further delays and the need for vigilant oversight of both timelines and costs. The engineering firm overseeing the project has a longstanding relationship with the commission and continues to provide oversight.

Another agenda item was change order number four involving Stantec, an engineering firm, costing $319,000. This change order is linked to the replacement of 15,000 linear feet of water main on Oak Grove Avenue, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act. During the project, large voids were discovered beneath the asphalt, raising concerns about roadway stability. A CCTV inspection revealed significant sewer line issues, necessitating a reevaluation of the project to prevent a potential street collapse. The sewer line, dating back to 1905, presented challenges due to its deteriorated condition and closely situated manholes. Plans are in place to replace the unstable section of the sewer line and use a parallel line for bypassing. The work is anticipated to commence within the next month and last two to three months, with paving scheduled for the following spring.

The commission also addressed change order number four for Bisco Contracting Corporation, totaling $2,157,000, to complete the current phase on Oak Grove Avenue. This approval comes amid collective change orders exceeding $2 million, emphasizing the financial and project management challenges faced by the commission.

In addition to these major projects, the commission discussed a cleanup change order related to the Wilson Road project with Bisco Contracting Corporation, costing $58,581.31. This order followed a sewer collapse incident linked to previous infrastructure issues. The commission is working with the State Revolving Fund and permitting agencies to establish an emergency contract for replacing a 3,000-foot section of sewer line near the landfill, following multiple incidents in the area.

Further discussions included the status of the city’s pump stations, maintenance satisfaction, and future projects such as the one planned at Ferry Street. The privately owned pump station on Wilson Road remains unresolved, pending property owner compliance with an agreement established six years ago.