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Burlingame
City Council
Water
project work questioned
at special meeting
Published Thursday, Feb. 12
Gabe Faimon | Reporter
BURLINGAME—Since neither representatives of the contractor,
J&H Construction, Inc., nor the engineer, Bartlett and West,
were present at the Feb. 2 Burlingame City Council meeting, the
council called a special meeting for 11 a.m. Feb. 9, to address
numerous water project issues.
The meeting opened with comments from Ted Watchous, who said that
several months ago he requested the city to shut off water at a
meter so he could remove plumbing fixtures before proceeding with
remodeling work on property at 832. S. Oak.
Following meter replacement, the property was flooded with 37,000
gallons of water, producing a $287.49 water bill. Watchous asked
if he would be held responsible for paying the bill. Council members
told him the incident would be discussed with the contractor.
Since Robert Helton, president of J&H, did not appear until
11:30 a.m. and city attorney Rick Godderz was unable to be present
due to court proceedings, initial council questions were addressed
to Bartlett and West representatives.
Burlingame City Councilwoman Vikki DeMars opened discussion, referring
to contract requirements for a resident project representative (RPR)
“to assist (the) engineer in observing progress and quality
of work.”
She said according to the contract, the RPR was to confer with the
engineer “in matters pertaining to the contractor’s
work in progress … keeping the owner (city) advised.”
DeMars also said the contract required the RPR to “generally
communicate with the owner with the knowledge of and under the direction
of the engineer.”
DeMars referred to the lack of information in reports submitted
by Bartlett and West, asking the representative, Lavene Brenden,
why communication was conducted by word of mouth. Brenden replied
that a communication logbook was maintained.
A flurry of questions followed, including:
o Why have some water meter boxes (cans) been cut in half before
they were installed?
o Why were some water meters installed near the top of the meter
pit, so that they froze in cold weather?
o Who or what caused flooding in at least two homes after a meter
was reconnected?
o Was crushed rock placed in each new fire hydrant pit as required
by contract specifications?
With the arrival of Helton, Burlingame City Councilman Norm Bloomquist
asked, “The fire hydrant at Seward and Dakota can be hit by
vehicles. Why was it placed too close to the street?”
Helton said the hydrant had been placed in accordance with water
line drawings.
Burlingame City Councilman Dustin Swander asked, “If everything
is covered prior to final walk-through, how can compliance with
contract specifications, such as the depth at which meters were
set and placement of crushed rock in fire hydrant pits, be verified?”
Brenden said verification might not be possible through surface
observation.
“Why are some meter lids made of steel, while others are plastic?”
Swander asked.
The RPR, Robert Tyson, replied that plastic covers were used for
meters that would be read electronically.
Burlingame Mayor Brenda Dorr asked since the contract required the
RPR to prepare daily reports and maintain a logbook of inspector
activities and mileage, could the documents be made available for
the city to review?
Brenden replied that copies would be provided.
Helton said there were too many chiefs telling contractor personnel
what should be done. Tyson said someone told J&H to cut the
meter boxes. Helton commented that contractor employees did not
have time to wait for paperwork.
Governmental Assistance Services representative Donna Crawford intervened,
saying, “Everything was supposed to go through the engineer.
The engineer should make a determination of change, going by the
specifications, then submit documentation for a change.”
Dorr asked if another completion date had been established. Helton
said work should be completed in two to three days.
Following a recess for lunch, Godderz joined the meeting. Council
members and the mayor presented Godderz with summaries of earlier
discussion. Referring to the decision to cut meter boxes, Godderz
asked Tyson if he was fully aware of meter boxes that were cut.
“Our work was inspected and signed off,” Helton responded.
“Is there any written authorization for the change?”
Godderz asked. “Once you have a contract, you’re responsible
for work specified in the contract.”
J&H submitted a pay request for $109,887.21, with the council
approving a motion by Bloomquist authorizing preparation of payment
documents.
Dan Fischer, representing U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development,
the grant funding source, recommended revision of a change order
to reflect Feb. 27 as the date of substantial completion. The council
approved DeMars’ motion to authorize the revision. |
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