Contract problems and delays leave Lake Park sidewalks incomplete; Maple Avenue contractor withdraws

County staff told commissioners that the contractor awarded the Maple Avenue contract notified the county that their original bid omitted part of the work and that the contractor has withdrawn, forcing a re‑publication of the request for proposals and delaying the project into next year. Carrie said the awarded contractor discovered they were $60,000–$70,000 short on part of the bid and withdrew; county staff will republish the RFP and restart procurement. Separately, Detroit Lakes highway/engineering staff gave a detailed update on the Lake Park sidewalk and curb project. The subcontractor performing concrete work arrived midweek and completed multiple days of pours but has since paused; staff said the contractor still has a September 24 completion date but expressed doubt they could meet it. Commissioners and local officials reported significant disruption on Main Street for the first day of school, including closed sidewalks near the bridge that forced students and pedestrians to navigate muddy detours. Jim (highway/engineering presenter) said the county could leave the old pavement for Pumpkin Fest and complete paving afterward if the contractor cannot finish in time. Board members and residents criticized the contractor’s inconsistent scheduling and poor site management — cones and piles of material left in place — and suggested stronger contractual penalties and oversight for future projects. Commission discussion included whether to require additional liquidated damages, press for completion, or provide temporary crosswalks and signage to protect pedestrians during events. No formal policy change was adopted at the meeting; staff said they will republish the Maple Avenue RFP, notify bidders, hold the contracting firm accountable to the existing contract terms when possible, and coordinate temporary pedestrian accommodations and public communication for Lake Park.