DPW seeks $2.32 million from free cash for paving, sidewalks and equipment; committee forwards request

DPW Director Jorge Jaime asked the Budget & Finance Committee to authorize $2,316,507.60 from free cash to complete capital improvement projects that include roadway paving, sidewalk repairs, street-name signs and equipment replacements. Jaime said the request targets streets that cannot be paid with Chapter 90 funds — for example, streets affected by utility work where state reimbursements are restricted — and to buy equipment such as a backup loader and light towers for safe nighttime work. Jaime said sidewalks are more expensive to repair than paving and cited work in the downtown Essex Street area and emergency repairs on Jefferson Street as examples of priorities. When asked about the project breakdown, Jaime said the department expects to allocate roughly $1,000,000 to paving, $1,000,000 to sidewalk repairs (approximately 4,000 square yards of sidewalk work noted in the packet) and about $316,507.60 for vehicle and equipment purchases, though final amounts depend on bids. He also told councilors that free cash must be certified before spending and asked staff to coordinate with the city’s chief financial officer on certification timing. The committee discussed Eversource trench/moratorium rules and coordination: when utilities open a street that is in a five‑year moratorium the utility is generally required to restore curb-to-curb; where the street is not in moratorium, Eversource provides reimbursement and the city can combine that money with local funds for a full street resurfacing. Committee members pressed the department on prioritization criteria (school zones, emergency repairs, color-coded request list) and on ensuring proper concrete mixes for durable sidewalks. The committee voted to send the free-cash appropriation request to the full council with a favorable recommendation. Director Jaime said work will proceed once free cash is certified and contracts are in place.