Trenton council approves $6.07 million West Jefferson Avenue water‑main replacement

The Trenton City Council voted unanimously at its meeting to authorize a contract award to PayMar Enterprises to replace worn water mains on West Jefferson Avenue and adjacent streets. DPS Director Kevin Sargent asked the council to approve the contract following a recommendation from Fishbeck Engineers.

Sargent said, “A total of 6 bids were received and read publicly on February 25.” He described the project as designed by Fishbeck Engineers and covering “a replacement of 7,728 feet of water main on Helen and Dwight Streets, West Jefferson Avenue from King Road to Sibley Road, and on Sibley Road from West Jefferson Avenue to just east of Roehrig Street.” He also said the work includes replacement of “all associated fire hydrants, valves, and all lead services that are encountered in the field and restoration thereafter.”

Sargent summarized Fishbeck’s recommendation and his request to the council: “Therefore, based on Fishbeck's recommendation, I am requesting authorization to award the Jefferson Avenue water main replacement project to PayMar Enterprises in the amount of $5,095,611.50 with a 10% contingency and further authorize Fishbeck Engineers to provide the contract administration in the amount of 467,000 for a total project cost of $6,072,172.65 and authorize the mayor to sign the contract on behalf of the city.”

Councilman Caballat pressed the administration on contractor vetting and locality, asking, “Are they a local contractor? Are they coming from out of state?” Sargent replied that PayMar is local and has experience with large water and sewer projects and that Fishbeck recommended them. A city staff member identified as Dean addressed funding, saying, “Working capital, I believe, will be it it's above the 20%, the $2,000,000 mark.” The finance remarks in the transcript were not definitive about whether the $2,000,000 figure reflects the fund balance before or after the project.

Sargent told the council the city has applied for a DWSRF grant for the project in two consecutive years but “did not score high enough for funding,” in part because Trenton was not classified as a disadvantaged community. He noted the mains are original cast iron installed in 1946 and that the project responds to “numerous water main breaks and pressure problems” in the area and to the needs of nearby redevelopment.

A motion to award the contract was moved and supported during the meeting and the council approved the request. Mayor Rezappa concluded the item by saying, “Unanimously so ordered.” The transcript does not record a separate roll‑call vote tally or a construction schedule.