The Covington West and Imperial Woods Drainage Improvement (CIP CDR2201) is a project intended to increase stormwater conveyance and decrease ponding depth and duration within the Covington West and Imperial Woods neighborhoods.  The project was one of the 2019 GO Bond drainage projects.  In August 2022, the City applied for a $4.1 million no-interest loan from the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB).  The City was officially notified of the final approved loan (after loan closing) in June 2023 by the TWDB through their Flood Infrastructure Funding Program.  The City finalized the design in the summer/fall of 2023 and advertised the project for bidding in the fall of 2023.

On November 21, 2023, the City Council approved a construction contract with Ballast Point Construction, Inc. for an amount of $4,921,135.00. CIP Project CDR2201 Covington West and Imperial Woods Drainage, which included the original scope items for the TWDB loan plus additional paving items not included in the TWDB  loan.  The project's main scope includes the installation of reinforced concrete boxes (RCBs), replacing roadway concrete paving, and other drainage items to improve the drainage system, plus adding alternates to address deteriorated roadway pavement in the project area.

During the construction and installation of the drainage and paving system, City staff observed some homes along the 13900 block of Lynnwood Ln. with house slab elevations lower than the proposed top of the curb adjacent to the respective homes.  In some instances, the existing driveway elevations were higher than the existing slab elevations as well, which could cause ponding and drainage deficiencies for these homes.  Although significant drainage issues have not been officially reported along this portion of Lynwood Ln., City staff believes this location warrants drainage improvements.  City staff coordinated with the design firm to revise the plans to adjust the top of the curb adjacent to the impacted homes and to include the installation of storm pipe along Lynnwood ln. and revised pavement layout to account for the updated top of curb elevations.

City staff and the contractor negotiated the change order price of $134,444.37 for the improvements using the unit costs from the bid tab.  The scope of work for the change order is included in the attached change order form and generally includes additional manholes, inlets, drainage pipe, pavement removal and replacement, driveway replacement, and waterline service connections.  There is currently a $205,080 contingency fee in CIP CDR2201, which can be used to cover the costs for the proposed drainage and paving improvements along Lynnwood Ln.  

The change order also includes additional time added to the contract to account for the RCB supply chain delays, this change order work, and unforeseen utility conflicts encountered at several locations. 

The Engineering and Public Works Departments recommend authorizing Change Order No. 1 with Ballast Point Construction, Inc. for CIP CDR2201 Covington West & Imperial Woods Drainage Project in the amount of $134,444.37.