The May 16 Rushford Village meeting was brisk; just 14 minutes. In that time though, the Village made it known that they want to wrap up their 2016 utility and road improvement project, with or without the contractor.
The frustrations felt by the Village have been stated on numerous occasions by Mayor Gordon Johnson, members of the council, and Public Works Supervisor Travis Scheck. The McHugh Excavating project was slated to kick off early last spring and was discussed as being wrapped up by July. However, the project delayed in starting. Complaints by the city against the contractor began to mount as work paced along. As the first substantial completion date passed, then the final completion date, tensions rose.
The contractor requested an extension, but did not formally file for it. After review, Bolton & Menk engineer Josh Pope believes a seven-day extension to the project is justifiable, setting a September 24 and October 8 as potential substantial and final completion dates. The company achieved what was deemed substantial completion on September 28.
Final completion was not been achieved and due to weather and at the time, the Village indicated work would not be completed until spring. It was noted this was likely the better scenario, instead of rushing in poor weather to get work completed. Liquidated damages were applied to the contractor until November 18 when McHugh completed all other punch list items.
Now, Scheck has indicated that McHugh is scheduled to be in town to complete the remaining items from last year. They include two driveways, a catch basin, and some culverts. Scheck also indicated that per the engineer, if the contractor does not come to finish the work, the final payment will be withheld and the city may pay someone else to finish the work. It was not immediately available what that amount is.
The city council also discussed new road signs and cones. “Doing nothing nowadays is not an option,” said Councilor Mike Ebner.
Lastly, Tyson Foods, near the intersection of Highways 43 and 16, will be hooking up to the city water supply. Apparently, the site has been served by a sandpoint well, which is no longer good. The company will pay upwards of $3,000, plus the $125 fee, for the hook up.
In financial news, the Village did receive a $83,585 payment from Federal Emergency Management Agency for damage to roadways last fall.
The next regularly scheduled council meeting is Tuesday, June 6, at 7 p.m., at the Village Hall. The public is encouraged to attend.
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