CITY BEGINS PROCESS FOR TERMINATING CONTRACT FOR BATHROOMS

  

The Brenham City Council began the process of officially terminating the contract with GCP Contractors for the new bathroom facilities at Fireman’s Park.  After meeting in Executive Session today (Thursday), council members approved a motion to authorize the City Attorney and City Manager to draft a letter to the contractor and its surety company of notice of default.  City Manager James Fisher said the council will consider termination of the existing contract at its February 1st meeting.

GCP Contractors was given a new work schedule for the project after and Executive Session two weeks ago.  The new schedule set construction goals to be met every two weeks.  On Monday of this week, only the sidewalks around the bathrooms and some electrical work had been completed.

The project, funded by BCDC funds was begun in August of last year and was expected to be completed in December.

Public Works Director Dane Rau said that GCP’s surety company now has 10 days to respond to the city’s letter.  If they agree with the finding, then Council will formally terminate the contract on February 1st.  The surety company then takes over the project and is tasked with completing it in a timely manner.  Rau said the surety company could hire the same contractor or go with a different contractor to complete the bathrooms, but the city would be dealing with them instead of the contractor. Rau said this is not the first time the city has been forced to take this action.  He said it also occurred during the construction of the Aquatic Center and Hohlt Park.  Rau said it would be several weeks before any more construction take place on the bathrooms, but the project would eventually be completed at roughly the same cost to the city.