Council debates liquidated damages for City Hall contractor, opts to table for more information

Stilwell City Council on March 4 debated whether to enforce liquidated-damage provisions in the City Hall construction contract but ultimately tabled the issue to seek further documentation.

Staff and councilors reviewed the contract’s completion date and a 13‑day weather deduction that affects the calculations. One presentation offered two possible tallies: 66 weekdays (yielding roughly $16,500 at $250 per day) or 92 calendar days (about $23,000). Council members said the architect was checking weather-day credits and contract language and that legal counsel would be consulted before enforcement.

Speakers also noted changes in construction supervision late in the project, and several members commented there remained multiple small "punch list" issues despite substantial completion for most of the building. After discussion, Debbie moved to table the item for a special meeting, Mary Coy seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.

The council did not authorize immediate withholding of funds or levy damages at the meeting; instead it asked staff to provide documented day counts, contract language clarifying whether calendar or business days apply, weather-day documentation and legal advice before the council considers enforcement.