Beaver County service district leaders reviewed construction and testing progress on major water and road projects and directed staff to pursue contractor follow-up after work slowed for winter.

The district’s project manager said most pipelines have been installed and that pressure and backflow testing for large sections have passed; a few low sections installed at the end of construction were left untested when crews stopped work for snow. The manager said “a couple of airbags” still need installation before a full pressure test can be completed and that those steps are scheduled for spring. He added some short 2-inch lines failed pressure tests and will be repaired in spring.

The nut graf: Commissioners focused on scheduling, contract timelines and possible financial remedies after district staff reported contractors had largely paused work for the winter, leaving punch-list items and testing undone.

Board members and staff discussed specific contractor accounts and retention. Staff confirmed recent payments included draws to Sunrise Engineering and Rollins Construction; one large construction draw was described as “the big project” and subject to retention. Commissioners asked whether final retainage remained and whether any amounts were being held until punch-list work and year-long testing obligations are complete. Staff said some retainage remains and that Rollins will return in spring to finish punch-list items.

Sunrise Engineering’s representatives reported cumulative billings and said their records show substantial work already billed. The board noted one smaller project still showed an estimated $255,000 in remaining construction costs after recent payments. Commissioners questioned contractor staffing levels during the season and whether the teams had been “understaffed,” saying on many workdays only one or two workers were present, which slowed progress.

Members asked about liquidated damages or per-day penalties for missed contract dates. Staff said no per-day penalty had been set in the contract and that Sunrise asked to meet with district staff to discuss remedies. One commissioner said the district should require a written reply from Sunrise and consider penalties; staff agreed to pursue a conversation and report back.

Because a small number of pipeline segments remain to be tested and airbags installed, staff said full system commissioning will wait until spring when crews return and weather improves. The board asked staff to contact contractor supervisors (named personnel and the firm) to get a firm schedule and a written response on timelines and any potential penalties.

Ending: District staff said they will reopen the schedule and testing work in spring and will report back to the board after meetings with Sunrise Engineering and Rollins Construction on completion dates and any contract enforcement steps.