A request by Sain Construction Company to extend the McMinnville Civic Center project completion date could create an area of contention between the company and city officials.

City officials have agreed to a 10-day project extension, making Sept. 29 the new date for Civic Center completion.

Sain Construction project manager Mike Brewer had requested an extension of 21 days in a meeting with Civic Center Ad Hoc Committee members. Committee members made comments against allowing such a lengthy extension.

“That’s a little over four weeks,” said Alderman Steve Harvey. 

Only weekdays are counted. Weekend days are excluded.

Brewer said the days are warranted because of delays created when change orders and requests aren’t considered in a timely manner by city officials and by the city’s architect, HFR Design.

“If you go back and look at it, a person could ask for more than 21 days,” Brewer said. “I said I would go back and look to see how it affected the job and ask for no more days than I thought I had to. I’d ask for only the days those delays affected the job. I went over it, went over it, and went over it. I think 21 days is fair for everybody involved. I don’t think I’m asking for too many days. I’m warranted these days but I won’t use these days if I can keep from it.”

Harvey stated his belief that Sain Construction is doing its job, but admitted to struggling with allowing four weeks of additional time. 

“To be honest, it seems like a lot to me, but I’m not the one doing it,” said Harvey.

If Sain Construction does not deliver a finished project by the completion date, city officials can then begin to assess damages by requesting a dollar amount. That’s when the disagreement will begin, says Brewer.

HFR Design recommended the extension with no general conditions.

“I feel inclined to give the dates,” said Aldermen Kate Alsbrook. “I feel like Mr. Brewer is trying to work with us.”

Newman suggested meeting almost halfway with a 10-day extension, which is two weeks due to weekend days being excluded. 

“I think half is a good compromise,” said Harvey.

Civic Center Ad Hoc Committee members Harvey, Alsbrook and Newman unanimously approved a 10-day extension with no general conditions. The new Civic Center completion date is Sept. 29.