City Engineer Darren Jennings briefed the council on a road-extension project tied to a commercial development and the City Council approved the construction contract on Aug. 13.

Why it matters: Extending Settlers Landing to Broadway and constructing a Centennial Parkway extension are intended to create north–south access for a future Bass Pro development, extend water and sewer service to undeveloped lots, and improve traffic circulation in that corridor.

Project scope and procurement: Jennings described extending Settlers Landing to Broadway and extending Centennial to the south property line of city-owned land. The work includes extending water and sewer to avoid dead-end mains and to serve undeveloped lots near the Northeast corner of Broadway and Settlers Landing (Bass Pro Way). The city advertised the project and opened bids on Aug. 2. Five bidders responded; the lowest qualified bidder was Fritcher Construction at $1,176,983.40. The construction timeframe cited was 180 days.

Funding: The city had budgeted approximately $1,950,000 in the half‑cent fund for the project, but the project also includes water and sewer costs and a funding escrow provided by Wayfair Cumberland Park. Jennings said Wayfair placed a $1,000,000 escrow in lieu of extending Centennial along their property line; the city will use that escrow, and the transmission/distribution utility (TDU) will pay roughly $645,000 of the project, with the escrow covering the remainder. Staff reported the bid came in under the initially budgeted amount.

Council action: The council authorized the city manager to execute a construction contract with Fritcher Construction for $1,176,983.40 and authorized using the Wayfair Cumberland Park escrow account to fund the Centennial Parkway extension. The motion to approve was moved by Councilmember Curtis and seconded by Councilmember Wynn and passed by voice vote.

Implementation note: Staff said the project will extend utility service and support future development and that construction scheduling will follow procurement.