The Palatka City Commission voted to add replacement of the failing retaining wall on River Street as an emergency item and directed staff to put the project out for public bid.

Engineers from Hanson Engineers presented a 90% design for a segmental block wall intended to replace the tilting wall along River Street and prevent future movement toward the sidewalk. Darren Myers of Hanson Engineers described the design and told commissioners the construction estimate is roughly $366,000.

Commissioners emphasized the site’s immediate hazard. After a short public exchange about advertising and timing, the commission voted to add the item to the agenda as an emergency and then approved a motion to put the work out for bid. Commissioners also asked staff to add clearer hazard signage at the site immediately; one commissioner said the site currently lacks adequate marks and wood protruded into the sidewalk.

Why it matters: City staff said the existing wall is failing and carries liability for the city because it runs adjacent to the public sidewalk. Adding the item as an emergency allows the city to proceed more quickly to contract for repairs.

Details: The presentation identified the project limits from 13th Street up to the private property where the wall now stops. The preferred design is a segmental block wall with additional reinforcement behind the facing to prevent future tilting. Staff said plans are roughly 90% complete and that formal bid specifications would be advertised next week. Commission discussion also covered whether the recently done design work means the city will proceed directly to bid or seek further review; staff said the design is ready to go to bid.

Costs and timing: Engineers and staff gave a construction estimate of about $366,000 and said utility/permit and site-work costs will be part of the full bid package. Staff said advertising will begin next week and that contractors will be invited to submit proposals. Commissioners asked staff to place signage at the site ‘‘tomorrow’’ to alert pedestrians and motorists to the hazard.

What commissioners directed: The commission approved (a) adding the River Street retaining wall item as an emergency, and (b) putting the project out for public bid. Commissioners also instructed public works to place clearer hazard signage and requested staff pursue the advertised procurement immediately.

Next steps: Staff will advertise the bid documents and return to the commission with contract recommendations after bids are opened and evaluated. The engineer indicated plans and bid documents were near final and ready for advertisement.