Carpinteria Council awards $471K contract to Toro Enterprises for crosswalk safety improvements

The Carpinteria City Council meeting on July 14, 2025, focused on key infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing public safety and improving local traffic conditions. The council approved a construction contract for crosswalk safety improvements near Carpinteria High School, awarding Toro Enterprises a bid of $471,437. This project is part of ongoing efforts to enhance pedestrian safety in the area, particularly as the school year approaches.

During the meeting, council members discussed the maintenance responsibilities associated with the new high-intensity crosswalk system. The Vice Mayor clarified that the city has a maintenance agreement with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), which was executed in November 2023. This agreement ensures that the city will handle the maintenance of the crosswalk system, allowing for quicker responses to any issues compared to relying on Caltrans.

Concerns were raised regarding the limited number of bids received for the projects, with Toro Enterprises being the sole bidder for both the crosswalk improvements and the Linden Avenue improvements project. Council members expressed a desire to strengthen outreach efforts to local contractors to encourage more competitive bidding in the future. The city staff acknowledged the challenge of attracting bids for smaller projects and noted that other municipalities are experiencing similar issues.

The council also discussed the importance of providing visual representations of the projects to the public. Members emphasized the need for graphics or renderings in future presentations to help residents understand the scope and impact of the projects being undertaken.

In addition to the crosswalk improvements, the council reviewed plans for the Linden Avenue Improvements project, which includes upgrades to sidewalks, curbs, and bike lanes. The total bid for this project was $908,610, and it aims to enhance pedestrian and bicycle safety while improving the overall appearance of the area.

The council is set to meet with the construction contractor to finalize the construction schedule, with work expected to begin by the end of July or early August. The discussions highlighted the city's commitment to improving infrastructure and safety for residents, particularly in high-traffic areas.