Council discusses park safety and approves entrance paving as larger Midway reconstruction moves forward

Fort Thomas city staff told council that a water-main replacement and a set of paving and access projects are planned near Tower Park, and council approved an entrance-widening contract for this budget year while a larger Midway reconstruction project was authorized for next-year funding.

City Administrator Mary told council the water district will replace a main on Grand Avenue beginning about June 2 and that the work is expected to take roughly 130 days. Mary said the replacement will also improve several fire hydrants in the area: "It is going to improve some of the hydrants in that area that have been challenging," she said.

Separately, staff recommended and council approved a low bid from Eden Asphalt to widen the River Road entrance into Tower Park to accommodate larger vehicles and reduce repeated damage to the park entry. The bid was described in staff materials as $85,065. City staff said widening the entrance will allow semi-trailers and other large vehicles to enter the park without damaging property or the existing retaining wall.

Council also accepted bids and authorized moving forward with a major Midway/Tower Park reconstruction project to be funded in the next fiscal year. Staff described the broader project as extensive work on sidewalks, traffic calming, utilities and streetscape improvements in the Midway business corridor; the contract amount cited in council materials for that project was approximately $4.08 million. Staff said the timing worked well with the Tower Park improvements because the park construction would be substantially complete while Midway work proceeds.

Council members noted the projects will be disruptive for businesses and residents during construction and urged staff to coordinate with affected businesses, emphasizing support for the local merchants during the work. Staff said coordination and a preconstruction meeting with the selected contractor will follow and that the city will brief council again with a detailed construction schedule once that meeting concludes.

No funding increases were adopted at the meeting beyond awarding or authorizing contracts and scheduling the Midway work in the next budget; council approved the entrance-widening bid for Tower Park this fiscal year and authorized the Midway contract to be signed and included in next year's budget planning.