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Council airs concerns after contractor delays on NE First/Old 20 road project
Summary
Council and staff described delays and permit issues with the milling/asphalt contractor on the Old 20/Northeast First project and discussed possible remedies including calling the bid bond and daily liquidated damages.
Pryor Creek staff told the City Council they have experienced repeated delays from a contractor hired to mill and repave stretches of Old 20 and Northeast First, leaving the project behind schedule and prompting discussion of next steps including potential enforcement of the contract bond.
Why it matters: The project affects a long corridor used by residents and by heavy construction traffic. Council members raised concerns about extended mobilization delays, missing permits, and potential long-term pavement issues if work is rushed or not completed to specification.
What staff said: Public works staff reviewed the contract history. The contractor missed its mobilization window and, when work began, reported missing an Oklahoma Department of Transportation permit to move the milling machine. Staff described staggered mobilization with crews bringing one piece of machinery at a time, and said weather has also hampered progress.
Engineer Dale (last name not specified) told staff that the plans require milling of the full length of the road but the contractor’s on-site approach suggested a narrower, phased work pattern. Staff said they had required adherence to the traffic control plan in the bid packet. The city manager recommended preparing a letter to the contractor and advised that, if contract deadlines are exceeded, the city could assess $500 per day liquidated damages as spelled out in the agreement.
Council members discussed options including collecting the contractor’s bid bond if the firm continued to underperform. One council member noted the contract bid was lower than others by about $75,000, and staff said prior performance history factored into oversight decisions.
What’s next: Staff said they have a prepared letter to the contractor and will act to protect the city’s interests if the contractor does not meet mobilization and completion expectations. The project remains subject to a one-year warranty once completed, and staff said they will pursue remedies, including forced cleanup or legal action if necessary, for persistent post-completion defects.
