City staff gave the Miami City Council an update Aug. 19 on completed and upcoming street projects across the city, including water-line replacements, total reconstructions, leveling and overlays, storm-drain work and small repairs.
Projects discussed included a complete reconstruction on Sixth Avenue Southeast (from Knox toward A Street) with remaining utility work before the next phase; resurfacing and water-line replacement on Q Street Southwest and McKinley; leveling and overlay on 20 Fourth; repairs on Birch Lane where a small section was caving in; concrete work on an open storm-water drain; and work intended to read across Reclamation Street and the Houston District. Staff said several projects were coordinated to bulk-purchase asphalt and that a concurrent state project affected the city’s access to asphalt, which changed sequencing.
Citizens and council members praised crews for rapid response to resident complaints on minor streets and for completing a difficult repair that had left a resident changing a flat tire. A councilmember noted family living in an area slated for work but said the projects were citywide, not personal.
Staff described the work as both reconstruction and utility coordination: the city will replace water lines where needed, rebuild curb and gutter, and then overlay or pave when asphalt is available. A motion to approve the project updates was made and carried by recorded vote; the transcript records “aye” votes by Eastaff, Jones, Barnes and others.
No dollar amounts, contractors or final construction schedules were approved at the Aug. 19 meeting. Staff repeatedly said some timing depends on asphalt availability and coordination with county or state work.