Hoover council accepts change orders for delayed Fire Station No. 1; officials say project still on budget

The Hoover City Council approved Resolution No. 88‑38‑26 to accept a series of change orders for the new Hoover Fire Station No. 1 after members raised concerns about construction delays and penalties.

Chief Bentley told the council that “there’s no additional funding requested for these change orders. Actually, the project will come in, under budget,” and that staff and the architect have negotiated a plan with the contractor to finish the work. Bentley said the team had resolved an electrical power issue and expects completion within the month.

Council members pressed staff about liquidated damages and the contractor's schedule after staff acknowledged the contractor was roughly eight months late. A council member noted, “These are penalties that are due to the contractor being 8 months late.” City staff confirmed they have withheld substantial‑completion certification to preserve leverage and said the performance bond is 100 percent. The original bid amount discussed in council comments was $5,250,000.

The resolution authorizes acceptance of change orders (noted in the ordinance text as change order numbers 34–36; 37R139–43; 45.r1; and 46) and authorizes the mayor to execute any documents necessary to effectuate the change orders. Chief Bentley said staff did not request additional appropriations and would update the council again before the next meeting.

Council members discussed contingency steps if the contractor did not finish on the newly projected schedule: the council could terminate the contractor and allow the surety to complete the work. Staff said they would return if the schedule slipped beyond the end‑of‑month target.

The council approved the resolution by voice vote.