Committee approves FY26 paving recommendation for Church Street and Tebbetts Road pending funding

Public Works Director Norris presented the proposed FY26 paving list and explained the city’s pavement condition index (PCI) process. Norris said the PCI identified Church Street (PCI 37.8) and Tebbetts Road (PCI 31.7) as priority candidates because both are in poor structural condition and carry significant traffic.

Committee members discussed the PCI approach and funding tradeoffs. Several councilors noted the algorithm’s tendency to keep “good” roads good while underfunding reconstruction of the worst roads; staff said they are evaluating tactical approaches such as alternating years for preservation versus heavy reconstruction. Norris reiterated that annual paving funding requests of $2 million are routinely cut to about $1 million, which limits how many failing roads the city can fix each year.

Motion and vote: A councilor moved to accept the director’s recommendation to schedule Church Street and Tebbetts Road for FY26 reclaim‑and‑pave work pending availability of funding; the motion was seconded and the committee voted to approve the recommendation.

Why it matters: The vote sets the committee’s recommended FY26 pavement priorities for council consideration and helps staff plan procurement and construction timing. Staff said they expect available funds to support the two roads if rollover/rollout funding is approved.

Ending — next steps: The recommendation will move to the full council for approval as part of the FY26 budget and capital program; staff will proceed with design and scheduling once budget authority is confirmed.