City of Greeley could pursue lawsuit against contractor hired for 10th Street corridor improvements if it can’t reach a deal with the firm

By Kelly Ragan

The City of Greeley hasn’t yet filed a lawsuit – but now it can, if it wants to – against the contractor responsible for the work done along 10th Street. 

The project was intended to improve access to businesses and make it safer for pedestrians along two stretches of 10th Street, from 30th Avenue to 35th Avenue and from 23rd Avenue to 27th Avenue.

According to city documents, it encountered delays, errors and deficiencies while working with Jacobs Engineering – which led to additional costs. 

The city pointed to errors in surveys, drainage issues that need correction, missing underground utility information, an undiscovered vault that needed to be removed, and the construction of a new stormwater inlet and pipe. 

To fix the errors, the city had to bring in additional contractors and cough up the money for additional traffic control costs. 

“City staff have attempted to resolve the dispute amicably with Jacobs Engineering but has not been successful,” according to city documents. 

Documents went on to say the firm’s work fell “well below the standard of care required,” and stated it believed the firm should reimburse the city for all costs and damages related to its failure to properly design the project. 

In an email, Greeley City Attorney Doug Marek said as of Wednesday, the city had not yet filed a lawsuit. In the event the city can’t reach a deal with Jacobs Engineering, city council’s vote Tuesday night gives the city permission to move forward.