Local preservation contractor delivers notices of default after months of unpaid invoices

A contractor working on historic-preservation projects told the board she has not received payment on two contracts and has delivered formal notices of default and intent to terminate if the city does not pay within 15 days.

"I did bring 2 letters with me tonight of notice of default and intent to terminate for both of these projects," the contractor said, adding she planned to email the letters and supply physical copies for the board minutes. She said the notices arise because invoices have not been paid and the contracts give her the right to terminate if payment does not arrive on the required timeline.

Board members and staff discussed the payment pathway: staff said the city could not issue final payments until it received a related payment from Art Cheyenne, and the contractor said she had slowed or halted work because of nonpayment and needed the city to act to meet project deadlines. Board members urged the contractor to email the notices to planning staff and the board chair so there is a paper trail and asked staff to follow up with the city’s accounting team.

Why it matters: unpaid contracts can halt preservation work and create liability or legal deadlines for both contractor and city; the contractor has formally warned of termination if payments are not made. The board asked staff to pursue resolution with accounting.

What’s next: the contractor will email the notices and provide physical copies; staff said the accounting office expected to cut checks the following week but acknowledged prior delays.