Advisory board approves $1.05 million payment to ODOT for Danforth–Kelly inspection overage

The Capital Improvements Projects Advisory Board voted 6–1 to approve payment of a $1,046,142.10 invoice from the Oklahoma Department of Transportation for additional construction inspections on the Danforth and Kelly intersection.

Brad (staff member) told the board the city’s original partnership agreement with ODOT appears to make Edmond responsible for inspection costs, and said the city met with legal staff who concluded the city is bound to pay: "based on the original partnership and agreement ... we are bound to pay this." Members discussed options for contesting the charge but were told the contract language limits remedies.

Christy Patterson, director of housing community resources, warned of practical consequences if the city refused to pay: "To put it short we won't get any money from them. We'll be what they would call blacklisted," she said, urging caution because the city has received additional ODOT funding on prior projects. Other members urged the city to seek improved contract language and to elevate the issue with state transportation officials and legislators.

The board's motion to pay the invoice carried 6–1. The committee also asked staff to pursue changes to future contracts and to meet with ODOT to reduce the risk of surprise invoices going forward.