Project cost came down

A project that saw costs skyrocket from the time it was proposed to when construction began ended up coming in under the contracted amount.

Portland Board of Works on Thursday approved a change order to decrease the total amount of its contract with Watson Excavating for the Meridian Street storm sewer projected by more than $300,000.

Watson handled the 2023 project that involved installing about 2,000 feet of new sewer line below Meridian Street from just north of Arch Street to the Salamonie River. Most of the catch basins in that area of Meridian Street were connected to the new line, with the intention of taking pressure off of the Millers Branch line that had repeatedly backed up and led to flooding over the previous decade-plus.

When initially proposed in March 2021, the estimate for the project was $1.3 million. With construction costs increasing, Watson’s low bid in June 2022 was $2.42 million. After a change in pavement specifications from Indiana Department of Transportation and with engineering costs included, the total jumped to $3.13 million.

However, the change order approved Thursday was for a decrease of $315,562.79, bringing the final projected total to $2.79 million.

Also Thursday, board of works members Jerry Leonhard, Steve McIntosh and Mayor Jeff Westlake agreed to pay the full amount — $59,023 — to repair the east wall of The Greazy Pickle following the city’s demolition of the adjacent structure.

In late 2023, the city hired JAShroyer Group to demolish the former Bailey Building (201 through 205 W. Main St.). They also reached an agreement with Chris Grieshop and Thomas Emerick, owners of The Greazy Pickle, to tear down the building at 207 W. Main St. (It was the former home of Schmit Chiropractic.) As part of the agreement, the city had committed to contributing up to $20,000 to repair the exposed east wall of the bar and restaurant after the demolition was complete.

The board briefly discussed whether to stick to that $20,000 total or to consider paying the full amount. Welch noted that the original agreement set the $20,000 mark with the understanding that The Greazy Pickle could approach the city for additional funding based on the cost of the repairs.

Leonhard expressed his feeling that the board had set a precedent last month when it agreed to pay the full amount — $49,809 — to repair the north wall at 206 N. Meridian St. following a similar demolition of adjacent structures.

The board then voted unanimously to award the project to Top Shelf Care of Fort Recovery at $59,023. (A quote from Dalton’s Concrete Construction came in at $57,983, but the board chose to go with Top Shelf because of its familiarity with the building — it handled a previous facade project for The Greazy Pickle — and the scope of the work.) Funding for the work will require approval from Portland City Council.

Board of Works members also approved a change order for the Blaine Pike paving and multi-use path project. It will include adjusting several cub ramps.

Clerk-treasurer Lori Phillips explained that project specifications from engineering firm Beam, Longest and Neff were not correct, leading to the need for the change order. The city will pay the additional $12,902.18 up front, with 80% to be reimbursed by INDOT. It will need to file a claim against Beam, Longest and Neff in order to attempt to recoup the remaining 20%.

The board also noted that some drains related to the project did not meet required standards. Those were a construction issue and will be replaced at no additional charge to the city.

In other business, the board:

•OK’d an application for Community Crossings grant funding through Indiana Department of Transportation for $1.09 million in paving. The city is applying for the grant to pave sections of Wayside Place, Jaqua and Western avenues, Shank, Ship, Franklin, Seventh, North, First, Garfield, Munson, Hayes, Charles, Williams, Maple and Mangold streets, Silvers Lane and Tyson Road. Grant applications were due Wednesday. The grant will require a 25% match from the city if approved.

•Approved a one-year extension to the city’s contract with Jay County Humane Society for animal control services. There is a 3% ($1,275) increase for 2025.