Council withholds final acceptance of Cotati sidewalk gap‑closure work amid decomposed‑granite concerns

The Cotati City Council deferred acceptance of final completion for a sidewalk gap closure project after council members raised concerns about the applied decomposed‑granite surface, which council members said was crumbling along the edges shortly after the contractor completed work.

Why it matters: Final acceptance triggers the city’s retention release and warranty period timetables. Council withheld acceptance to allow the city to require repairs, maintain leverage via retention and preserve warranty remedies if the surface fails during the upcoming rainy season.

What council heard: Council Member Sparks said she inspected a section between Putnam Park and Old Redwood Highway and reported “chunks falling off” the edges; she asked whether the work should be accepted. Public works staff said decomposed granite is a permeable, binder‑treated material that requires specific surface preparation and rolling during installation and that some portions in town have performed well while others have needed follow‑up.

Staff recommendation and council response: Public Works Director Craig Scott said the contractor had been asked to return previously to install a border and make repairs; a subsequent inspection found the work acceptable at that time. Council members told staff that observed deterioration after sign‑off warrants an additional inspection and further remedial work before final acceptance and release of retention. Staff noted a one‑year maintenance/warranty period and a 5 percent retention that is held pending acceptance and the statutory 35‑day claims period.

Contractor remedies and next steps: Council instructed staff to pursue repairs with the contractor and not to accept the project at this meeting. If the contractor does not remedy the deficiency, staff noted the city could pursue maintenance bond remedies or use retained funds to have the work corrected. The council asked staff to re‑inspect and report back with recommendations before final acceptance.

Public input and alternatives: A member of the public suggested alternative surfacing (crushed rock) and provided resources. Council indicated it may consider alternative materials or different contracting approaches in future projects but emphasized that the current project should be made structurally sound under the contract terms.

Administrative notes: Final acceptance would also begin the 35‑day window for any subcontractor payment claims; council’s decision to withhold acceptance preserves that administrative sequence while staff secures repairs.