Council on Nov. 3 approved a change to the Boardwalk Connector project's engineering design to incorporate molded fiber-plastic composite decking and stronger structural materials.

Rob Winkler told the council the proposed update replaces some wood materials with recycled plastic composite decking and upgrades to the supporting structure. He said the composite decking is resistant to water, mold and mildew and carries a long warranty; "these type of materials are a 50 year warranty. So the structure should be around longer than me," Winkler said.

Winkler said the design change arose during engineering after the project—originally FEMA-damaged—was reviewed for both a build-back and an improved design. Council approved Change Order No. 1, Option 2 with Arete Engineering PLLC for $5,747.50 for the additional engineering and design services and authorized the mayor or city manager to execute the necessary documents.

Council and staff discussed questions about fire performance and other material properties; Winkler said fire-retardant treatments and specific performance characteristics would be evaluated during the design process.

The change order funds additional design work; construction cost effects were not spelled out in the meeting record. Execution of the change order will permit final design and procurement specifications to be completed and issued by staff.