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Council approves $2.6 million 2025 Street and Path maintenance program; plan emphasizes communication and sidewalk/tree tradeoffs
Summary
Powell City Council awarded the 2025 Street and Path maintenance contract to Strauser Paving for $2,602,227.21 on March 18, adding alternates that fund extensive road, guardrail and shared‑use path work across the city.
Powell City Council on March 18 approved Ordinance 2025‑O‑5, awarding the 2025 Street and Path maintenance contract to Strauser Paving Company Inc. for $2,602,227.21. Council also suspended rules and adopted the ordinance as an emergency to allow schedule flexibility on time‑sensitive segments.
Public Services staff described the scope: full‑depth asphalt pavement reconstruction, mill and overlay, concrete curb‑ramp improvements, spot curb and driveway replacements, crack sealing, shared‑use path improvements, pavement markings and guardrail installations. Staff said the engineer’s estimate exceeded the low bid by about 14.4% and that the city intentionally bid alternates to retain scheduling flexibility.
Funding and breakdown: staff said $2,500,000 was budgeted for the program; recommended selections of alternates produced the $2.6 million award. Staff reported the program would invest roughly $2,056,000 in the street system, about $100,000 in guardrail work (to be paid from a separate guardrail budget of $150,000), and roughly $413,000 in shared‑use path work. Staff noted a record number of bidders this year (six) compared with two in prior years, and said increased competition helped bids come in under some estimates.
Council members asked several detailed questions about sidewalk panels raised by tree roots and how the city evaluates whether tree root pruning is a viable repair versus tree removal. Staff said inspectors evaluate root conditions and that panels with vertical deflection eligible for replacement are typically included in the project; trees that cannot survive necessary root pruning have, in limited cases, been removed in prior years. Staff said they may add a certified arborist to the program if the issue recurs frequently.
Council also discussed downtown parcels, shared‑use path materials and coordination with other projects such as the Scioto Street extension and a potential YMCA parking work that could leverage contractor mobilization. Staff said the plan includes an aggressive public‑information program — weekly updates, door hangers and web postings — to notify affected residents of schedules and impacts.
Council approved the ordinance after a roll‑call vote. Staff will provide construction notices and door‑to‑door communications as segments proceed.
