Sidewalk '50/50' program: staff says homeowners pay half; apply via staff and contractors bid early

During the budget review a councilor asked how the city’s 50/50 sidewalk program works for homeowners. Staff clarified the program requires homeowners to pay half the construction cost directly (not a reimbursement) and that the city measures square footage and uses established unit rates for sidewalk and driveway sections.

Staff said homeowners can either talk to Public Works staff (identified in the session as Bob Lalvin) to have the city measure and set the cost or fill out online paperwork and pay their share. Staff explained contractors are invited to bid early in the year and must honor their agreed per-square-foot rates for the construction period; if a homeowner obtains an estimate now but waits until next year, prices and contractor rates may change.

A councilor requested written program guidelines for the 50/50 program so that application rules, who can apply, measurement methods and payment expectations are explicit and available at a council meeting. Staff agreed to prepare guidelines and to email the list of streets planned for paving so councilors can discuss schedule and public communications.

Discussion vs. decision: staff provided procedural clarification and agreed to draft program guidelines; no ordinance or funding change was adopted in the meeting.

Ending: Staff will prepare formal 50/50 program guidelines for council review and notify councilors and the public about which streets will be paved and which were deferred.