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Washington council gives administrator authority to terminate stalled Andrew Drive contract
Summary
After debating contractor failures on the Andrew Drive road project, the Washington City Council unanimously empowered City Administrator Will Long to terminate the contract if required documents were not produced by the end of the day.
The Washington City Council on Jan. 12 unanimously authorized City Administrator Will Long to terminate the contract for the Andrew Drive road project if contractors did not produce required documents by the end of the day.
Council members discussed a stalled project that began Aug. 4, during which the contractor allegedly damaged a new pipe and failed to provide a required payment bond. The council recorded that the city has spent no funds on the project and will withhold payment until the work is completed correctly. Members raised concerns about the vetting and oversight responsibilities of engineering firm Carter & Sloope on a state grant-funded contract.
The motion to grant termination authority was made by Councilman Larry Hill and seconded by Councilman David Fisher; the council voted unanimously in favor. The action followed the council's earlier review of project documentation and statements that outstanding submittals were required to demonstrate compliance and protect the city's interest.
The decision does not specify a replacement contractor or an immediate schedule for restart; council members said the administrator should act to protect city funds and contract performance. The council also directed that required documents be produced promptly; if they are not, the authorization gives the administrator authority to end the contract rather than allow further delays.
Background: Council members attributed responsibility for contractor vetting in part to the engineering firm retained for the state grant-funded work. The minutes note the city's intent to withhold payment until the contractor completes work to specification and provides required bonds but do not list specific penalties or next procurement steps.
The council adjourned after completing this and other agenda items. The city administrator or council staff did not provide additional public comment on planned next steps for Andrew Drive in the meeting minutes.
