Tonganoxie council approves change order to expand Front Street project, adds consultant funding

Tonganoxie City Council on March 2 approved a change order to expand the Front Street and Ridge Street improvements project, authorizing additional construction work and a modest increase to the engineering contract.

Dan (city staff) and Jason Hoskinson, engineer with BG Consultants, told the council competitive unit pricing from the original bids created an opportunity to add curb and gutter, sidewalks, driveway repairs and some storm‑sewer inlets along Front Street. Jason said the proposed change order was presented as a maximum—roughly $190,000 to $191,000—and that the city would use unit pricing and measured quantities so the final cost could come in lower. The project team also requested a 30‑day contract extension to accommodate the extra scope.

The council voted to approve Resolution 032603 authorizing Change Order No. 1 to the construction contract with Kansas Heavy Construction, LLC. Council members also approved a supplemental agreement with BG Consultants that raises the design/engineering not‑to‑exceed amount from $75,000 to $85,000 (an increase of $10,000); staff said the stormwater fund has budget authority for the consultant increase.

Staff said the expanded scope would improve stormwater handling by adding inlets to capture runoff from a nearby grocery parking lot, create new sidewalk connections (including a potential extension to Joel Street), and make the corridor safer and more walkable. Jason told the council he expects value engineering and the proposed narrowing of Ridge Street would reduce the final cost below the presented maximum.

The council approved both measures by voice vote. Staff said the next steps include finalizing design details, measuring quantities under the unit pricing, and proceeding with construction scheduling.