Commissioners criticize contractor performance in Lake Park sidewalks, consider withholding payment

Several commissioners sharply criticized a contractor’s unfinished sidewalk work in Lake Park, saying sidewalks and driveways remain incomplete and pedestrian access near the school is unsafe as the school year begins.

Commissioner Barry (last name not provided) described sidewalks that “drop off” into gravel and dirt, said driveways were unfinished and alleys were piled with material, and urged the county to withhold payments to the contractor until work is completed and streets are cleaned. “I would hope that the board supports withholding any payments to them till we get a resolve on this and make sure we get a product,” he said.

County staff and the highway director said contractors have faced schedule challenges and weather delays, and that the county lacks contractual authority to prevent a subcontractor from working elsewhere; staff said they expect contractors to return the following week and have asked primes to begin street cleanup immediately. Staff also said the county can require temporary pedestrian access measures where sidewalks are unfinished.

Commissioners said parents, people with strollers and people who use wheelchairs face difficulties accessing the school and downtown sidewalks. A county official said the county will press the contractor to meet deadlines and is exploring options, including withholding payment if the contract’s completion conditions are not met.

No formal penalty vote was taken at the meeting; commissioners asked staff to seek confirmation of a contractor return date and to report back on options to enforce contract obligations or apply deductions for remedial work.