Crockett council approves $77,339 in change orders for South Fifth Street and Bell Avenue stormwork

The Crockett City Council approved change orders totaling $77,339 to address unexpected storm-drain and curb-and-gutter work on South Fifth Street and Bell Avenue.

City staff told the council that crews found older layers of concrete and an underlying storm system made of clay tile and cast metal that began collapsing when crews removed surface paving. That collapse blocked the drainage path that had carried water to a nearby creek, and crews must install new inlets, tie two storm lines together and run an 18-inch pipe down Fifth Street, turn left on Bell and extend to the creek. Staff said the storm-drain change order alone is $65,004.86; combined with curb-and-gutter modifications the total change is $77,339.

Staff said Crockett Construction has reduced its pricing where possible and the city was surprised the total came in lower than expected; staff had expected closer to $100,000 based on unit pricing. The city has a designated utility fund reserve for street infrastructure and staff recommended using that reserve rather than reducing previously planned street projects. At council question, staff said the reserve balance set aside for infrastructure is about $1,800,000.

A city engineer, introduced during the discussion, was available to answer technical questions. The council moved, seconded and approved the change orders by voice vote.

Staff warned that the discovery of older infrastructure layers was not uncommon and said the ongoing construction will continue but that the change orders are needed to finish the work and restore proper stormwater flow.