City Council approves $135K contract for 2025 street chip seal project

Monona's Finance & Personnel Committee made significant strides in improving local infrastructure during their April 7, 2025, meeting. The committee approved a contract for the 2025 Street Chip Seal Project, which will cover over 43,000 square yards across 17 streets, with a low bid of $135,378.98 from Farner Asphalt. This project is part of the city's ongoing commitment to maintain and enhance road conditions, ensuring safer travel for residents.

The decision follows a thorough review by the Public Works Committee, which had previously endorsed the project. City officials emphasized the importance of this maintenance work, noting that while fog sealing was considered, it was ultimately deemed too variable in effectiveness and not cost-efficient for this year's budget. Instead, funds will be allocated to other street maintenance needs, including asphalt patching and crack sealing.

In addition to road maintenance, the committee discussed the upcoming roof replacement for the library. While the exact costs remain uncertain, comparisons to similar projects suggest that the library's unique roof design may lead to higher expenses. The city is currently in discussions with Solar Legacy Co-op regarding the removal of solar panels from the library roof, as the existing contract requires their removal from all facilities. This situation highlights the complexities involved in managing city infrastructure and energy solutions.

As Monona moves forward with these projects, residents can expect improved road conditions and ongoing efforts to address the city's infrastructure needs. The Finance & Personnel Committee's decisions reflect a proactive approach to maintaining community assets and ensuring public safety.