Rachel Harlow-Schalk, City Manager

Ryan Leland, P.E., Public Works Director

This is Change Order includes additional infrastructure within Phase II of the Westside Water and Sewer Project. Areas to be added include locations adjacent to Block 194 and Black 204 that were not included in the original contract.  The change order includes, but it not limited to water main, sewer main, and service stubs to both existing residences and vacant lots. Funding for the cost increase of $712,541.50 is available within the Public Works capital funding. This change order results in a total cost of $5,837,058.56 for this project.

The Westside Water and Sewer Extension Phase I and II Project was awarded on September 9, 2019 to install a water and sewer main on the newly annex portion of the Westside of Helena. During the original bid of the Westside Project, part of phase 2, from approximately Kessler School up to Knight Street, was bid as an additive alternate because there was questions about the ability to have the sewer main cross the parking lot at Kessler School. The negotiations about the possibly to bore a sewer main across the parking lot are still in process. If a main cannot be bored under the parking lot, a lift station, and force main will need to be installed in Choteau Street. This added alternate was not awarded with the original bid because the need exists to negotiate with the School District. Until such time as the new Superintendent can be consulted, this added alternate needs to be placed onto this contract to ensure the full project costs are realized, and as much construction work as possible can be done awaiting the new Superintendent. This additive alternate, change order #7, includes both the water and sewer. Details on these activities can be found documented in the change order itself including sewer collection piping and water mains. Change order #7 will increase the project by $712,541.50 bringing the total of the project to $5,837,058.56. City Code 1-4-14 requires the City Commission approve when all the change orders exceed the 10% of the original contract.       

Staff is requesting the City Commission consider change order #7 for the Westside Water and Sewer Project Phase I and II. The change order is to include all the sewer and water main mains for Phase IIA of the project as previously discussed with the commission at the original bid award. This change order will allow the contractor to continue on the project without shutting down and requiring remobilization. If the City must install a lift station, the increase in cost will result in an increase in rates for the neighborhood. The School District's facilities manager has shared their interest in expanding the Helena High School onto the football field--a location of significant storm drainage with a high water table. If the City would ok this work, they will allow boring under the parking lot a the school. Currently, the City is not interested in this exchange because of the anticipated long-term impact onto the stormsewer drainage to the neighborhood. Before spending these dollars and incurring this work on a new lift station, the City Manager believes its important to have a conversation with the new Superintendent to ensure this is the direction they intend to continue moving forward.  

Staff is requesting the City Commission consider change order #7 for the Westside Water and Sewer Project Phase I and II. The change order is to include all the sewer and water main mains for Phase IIA of the project as previously discussed with the commission at the original bid award. This change order will allow the contractor to continue on the project without shutting down and requiring remobilization. If the City must install a lift station, the increase in cost will result in an increase in rates for the neighborhood. The School District's facilities manager has shared their interest in expanding the Helena High School onto the football field--a location of significant storm drainage with a high water table. If the City would ok this work, they will allow boring under the parking lot a the school. Currently, the City is not interested in this exchange because of the anticipated long-term impact onto the stormsewer drainage to the neighborhood. Before spending these dollars and incurring this work on a new lift station, the City Manager believes its important to have a conversation with the new Superintendent to ensure this is the direction they intend to continue moving forward.