Item 04: West Purgatory Creek Wastewater Improvement Project Increase

[COSM_Admin]

Consider approval of Resolution 2023-177R, approving Change Order #2 for the construction contract with to Gro-Mex Construction, Inc, for the West Purgatory Creek Wastewater Improvement project to increase the contract price by $367,849.14; authorizing the City Manager, or her designee, to execute the appropriate documents relating to the Change Order on behalf of the city; and declaring an effective date.

 

[JHughson]

I've read the ARF and the letter from the construction company. Is there any way that the reasons for the change order could have been avoided?

 

[COSM_Admin]

Response provided by Shaun Condor, Director of Engineering & CIP:
No, UPRR (Union Pacific Railroad) started enforcing new rules on contractors without notification. Speaking with area consultants, they have noticed the same trend as well on other area projects. UPRR is requiring the City to perform the work within their ROW using construction methods never required before. The City is required to follow their rules because they own the ROW. UPRR requires the City to hire RailPros to observe the work and we must pay the union hourly rate which equates to $8,259 per day. City Staff is working with UPRR to see have how we can mitigate these costs in the future; however, initial conversations indicate these requirements will continue to be strictly enforced in the future.