Commission awards $112,393 contract for West Front Street safety improvements amid split views
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Summary
The commission approved a contract with J Rank not to exceed $112,392.56 (including 15% contingency) to implement safety changes on West Front Street. Some commissioners voiced dissent about whether the selected measures directly address the recent crash that prompted the project.
Traverse City commissioners on Aug. 4 authorized the mayor and interim city clerk to execute a construction contract with J Rank for West Front Street safety improvements in an amount not to exceed $112,392.56, including a 15% contingency. Funding was identified in the capital projects fund (499).
Engineering and scope: Interim city staff said engineering work by Hubbell, Roth & Clark determined the recommended treatment; the contract covers installation of median/guardrail elements and related roadway safety improvements. City engineer Anne Pagano told commissioners staff can install flexible delineators to mark medians and maintain visibility where planters are removed.
Deliberation and dissent: Commissioner Jackie Anderson said she would vote against the contract because the crash that prompted the project involved “an inebriated driver traveling uphill westbound,” and the proposed guardrail solution “is designed primarily to prevent crossover accidents going downhill and eastbound.” Anderson said options like improved lighting and signage might address the original incident more directly and cost‑effectively. The final roll call recorded five votes in favor and two opposed (Commissioner Anderson and Commissioner Werner).
Vote: The roll call recorded the following: Commissioner Anderson — No; Commissioner Shaw — Yes; Commissioner Stanley — Yes; Commissioner Treadwell — Yes; Commissioner Werner — No; Mayor Pro Tem Mark Wilson — Yes; Mayor Amy Shamro — Yes. The motion passed.
Ending: Staff will proceed to execute the contract and oversee construction; the contract includes a contingency and will be administered under the city manager’s and city attorney’s review as to substance and form.