Board approves payments, asks Munson Brothers to explain Magnolia and Hine delays

The Waukesha City Board of Public Works on Dec. 19 approved four payments and requested that contractor Munson Brothers appear before the board to explain project delays and unfinished work on Magnolia and Hine.

Board member Joe Piper asked that “someone from their company come in and give the board an explanation as to what happened this year,” saying he had received “a fair amount of calls and emails about Magnolia” and that a contractor briefing would help residents understand the issues. Piper said this need not occur immediately but asked for a meeting in January.

Public works staff told the board the department has generally seen good completion rates from contractors but acknowledged past instances where work was not finished on time. Staff said the city’s contracts allow remedies to get jobs completed and that the city has on numerous occasions assessed liquidated damages under contract requirements. “That would definitely be in the cards,” a staff member said, adding that staff can invite the contractor to present directly to the board.

Board members sought clarification about final payments. Staff confirmed the payment package before the board did not include final payment for the unfinished Magnolia/Hine work and described the pavement placed on Hine as temporary and not being accepted because it was placed late in the season on frozen ground.

The motion to approve payments carried unanimously by the board members present.

The board did not set a precise date for the contractor appearance other than a request for a January session; staff said they would coordinate with Munson Brothers and follow up with the board.