Bristol board approves $283,798 change order to finish force‑main work; bond condition attached

The Bristol Select Board voted to approve change order number 5 for the town’s stalled force‑main project, authorizing $283,798.24 to complete the work and directing funds from contingency and reserve accounts to cover the shortfall.

An engineer representing Underwood told the board the contractor had presented a $370,000 claim for sunk costs while the town’s records showed payments of $191,000. After negotiation the parties agreed to split part of the difference; the board discussed the arithmetic of prior payments, contingency balances and remaining project obligations before the motion.

A board member moved to approve change order number 5 in the amount of $283,798.24; the motion authorized $152,945.98 of the remaining project contingency to be applied to the change order and the balance of $130,852.28 to come from the Sewer Capital Reserve Fund, and authorized the town administrator to sign the change order. The motion included a condition that the town confirm the project’s completion bond and related surety be adjusted to match the revised total project cost. The motion was seconded and carried by voice vote.

Underwood staff and board members also stressed concerns about project monitoring and contractor communications. Members asked staff to obtain weekly progress and budget updates during completion, to confirm the bond amount and terms with counsel, and to secure written assurances from the contractor about completion and pavement restoration.

Outcome: Approved (voice vote). The board directed staff to confirm bond adjustments and to continue close oversight while the contractor completes the open‑cut portion of the project.