Council approves park change orders; staff flags major upcoming utility change order

Council approved six change orders for construction at Southwest Meadows Sanctuary Park that net to an increase of $51,070 to the project contract.

Staff explained the package at length: three of the six change orders are credits (noninstallation of about 2,200 lineal feet of PVC fence and removal of a septic tank/drain field that the health department required be connected to Sunrise Utilities), one change order was a pass-through donation that paid for stamped concrete to match the Rolling Oaks Barn, and another added cost — approximately $78,000 — covers an electrical feed work the utility (FPL) would not provide for nonresidential buildings.

Council discussed repurposing the purchased but noninstalled fence elsewhere in town, the height and type of light poles and dark-sky compliance, and whether cheaper sign or fixture alternatives could reduce costs. Staff said a forthcoming change order involving restroom lift/grinder work and Sunrise Utilities connection initially came in at about $530,000; after reengineering and engaging a specialty subcontractor the team reduced the estimate materially and will return the final proposal at the April 9 meeting.

The council approved the change orders and an associated budget amendment by roll call. Staff said the remaining electrical, sewer connection and lift station items will be brought back for approval at a subsequent meeting with detailed costs and any required procurement documentation.