Wheat Ridge approves $1.58 million settlement over Wadsworth project delays
The contractor had sought $4.26 million, including an electrical subcontractor’s claim. Both sides accepted a dispute review board’s recommendation, pending council approval.
Wheat Ridge City Council approved a $1,581,982 settlement Sept. 28 with Concrete Works of Colorado, resolving claims tied to utility-relocation delays on the Improved Wadsworth project, staff told the council.
Staff said the city granted the contractor 43 additional working days because of the delays. Concrete Works later sought $4.26 million in additional compensation, including a claim passed through from an electrical subcontractor.
After negotiations and mediation failed to resolve the dispute, the city and contractor submitted it to a dispute review board. The board recommended the settlement amount, and both parties accepted its recommendation subject to council approval. Staff said the agreement was not an admission of liability by either side.
Councilor Dan Larson, who moved approval, said he believed the city had a fairly solid case and was disappointed it would not pursue litigation further. He supported settling, however, noting that litigation can be expensive and time-consuming. Staff said funds were available in the project’s existing capital-improvement budgets and payment was due within 10 days of approval. The motion carried with no nays recorded.