Council tables wastewater pay estimate, approves two change orders for treatment‑plant work

Vinton City Council on March 12 tabled a pay estimate for the wastewater treatment plant improvements and approved two change orders after discussion about incomplete work and contract scope.

Council discussed pay estimate number 25 and several line items marked as 100% complete. Members asked that department head Craig attend to verify that certain components (septic receiving, concrete work, HVAC ducting and valves) are actually finished before releasing payment; Council voted to table the pay estimate until staff could confirm the field status.

On change order business, Council considered change order number 13 and, after discussion about why certain work was not included in the original contract, approved the change order by roll call. Council then approved change order number 14, which largely removes a requirement to fill an abandoned force main and bundles related items; councilors debated the dollar amount but voted to adopt the change order.

Councilors asked staff to ensure itemized backup and engineering confirmations are in the packet before future payment votes and to have department staff inspect site completion where practical prior to payment.