Council approves $70,000 in change orders to standardize bridge light poles

The Waterloo City Council approved two change orders on July 14 to install the city's standard light poles on two bridge projects, increasing the contract total by about $70,538.
City Engineer Mister Deuce told council members the change orders convert generic poles in a Department of Transportation (DOT) letting to the city's standard poles so Public Works will have a single, replaceable inventory across the city. "This is what we're using throughout the city," Deuce said.
Council members pressed for clarity on why the work was not specified in the original bid. Councilman Bozen asked staff to explain the differing dollar amounts and why the poles were not already included. According to staff, DOT-required generic bid items prevented the city from specifying its standard poles at the time of the DOT letting, so the city negotiated the specific poles into the contract afterward.
The consent-agenda motion approved change order number 8 (Contractors, Inc., Rhinebeck, Iowa) for a net increase of $25,236.39 and change order number 7 (Peterson Contractors Inc., Rhinebeck, Iowa) for a net increase of $45,302.32, both tied to the FY2022 Park Avenue bridge replacement contract (contract number 1013; DOT contract referenced in staff materials). The council approved the items by roll call during the consent vote.
Supporters at the dais said the standardized poles simplify maintenance. Deuce compared the approach to specifying one type of pump for lift stations so the utility crews can stock a single replacement part rather than many different models. "It's much easier for the city to stock 1 inventory versus 3 4 5," he said.
No additional direction or follow-up assignment was recorded during the discussion. The approval was recorded as part of the consent agenda vote.