The Public Utility Board on April 14 recommended that City Council adopt an ordinance authorizing a change order for the Robinwood reconstruction project that replaces lime stabilization with cement stabilization and adds asphalt work for the project’s first phase.

Sheldon Gitwick of Capital Projects told the board contractors found a sandy subgrade after opening the road, and subsequent testing recommended a cement stabilization approach instead of the lime stabilization recommended in a 2023 geotechnical report. Gitwick said the change will require mixing cement into the subgrade to a depth of about 12 inches and that the cement approach reduces cure time, which may shorten the overall project schedule.

Staff said the change order will use contract contingency and that staff plans to request additional contingency funds; during the presentation members referenced contract contingency of roughly $133,000 that would be used and an additional $200,000 asked for in the meeting. Gitwick said linear‑foot details and a project timeline would be provided to board members following the meeting.

Board members asked for clarification on stabilization materials, mixing depth and timeline. One member asked whether lime stabilization is typically used for expansive clay and was told lime is commonly used for clay while the sandy band encountered on the project required cement. The board voted to recommend the ordinance to council; the motion passed unanimously.

Project streets listed in the presentation included Robinwood, Clover, Live Oak, Shady Wood and Misty Wood; staff said some driveway replacements, curves and gutters, stormwater inlets and pipe work are part of the scope.