Council approves Western sewer change order #7 after discussion of utility conflicts and DOT constraints

Engineering staff presented change order #7 for the Western sewer project, saying the contractor needed to jack-and-bore approximately 2 feet deeper and 15 feet further to avoid unexpected utility conflicts (including multiple fiber lines and existing large water and gas mains). Staff explained that fiber installation occurred after design drawings were prepared and that Department of Transportation restrictions limited open-cut options, increasing jack-and-bore costs.

Council discussed whether the contractor and engineer had properly flagged utilities before construction and asked staff to provide a clearer cost comparison in the next meeting. Staff committed to bring the project design engineer to the next meeting to walk council through prior change orders; council approved change order #7 after roll-call votes were recorded.