City of Madison Looks to Recover Liquid Damages for Improvement Work

The Madison City Commission has set out to finalize liquid damages, related to Madison Water System Improvements Phase 1A and Phase 1B. The general contractor for both projects was J&J Earthworks. Both phases for the project saw significant delays. For Phase 1A, there was no work performed on the punch list items throughout the 2022 construction season. A portion of the punch list work was completed throughout the 2023 construction season and the remaining work was completed during the 2024 construction season. Phase 1B also saw significant delays. 

Tom Paulson of J&J Earthworks appeared before the commission on Monday. He said J&J, and their subcontractors, faced unreasonable challenges from the project engineer, Banner and Associates. 

Commissioner Adam Shaw said the city should be willing to compromise. 

The commission voted to have City Engineer Ryan Hegg and City Administrator Jameson Berreth negotiate with the parties to find a dollar amount for the damages, and have that included in the next commission agenda.