The last couple of years we have been “burned” and have had problems with either the cement work, bituminous or sodding, Mayor Jeff Thompson said. “Here is an opportunity to be proactive.”
Peter Carlson, city engineer, suggested the council require a stiffer pay deduct schedule to ensure contractors meet contract specifications. “MnDOT has a pay deduct schedule if a product doesn’t meet required standards,” Carlson told the council. “It is impossible to know ahead of time if they meet specifications. Density tests aren’t usually taken until after the job is completed.”
“We stand to get a better project,” Dennis Zimmerman, councilmember, said. “It is a good opportunity to take a stand. We are going to be getting competitive bids and it’s better than having a repeat of the Minnesota Street project.” The council did not set any specific pay deduct percentages at this time.