Council approves Don Tyson Parkway/I‑49 southbound signal contract and hires construction-phase services amid questions over oversight cost

The Springdale City Council on March 25 approved the construction contract for the Don Tyson Parkway and I‑49 southbound signal project (project 23 BPS 9) and separately authorized a professional services agreement for construction‑phase services, both by 5‑0 votes.

The board forwarded the construction contract from the finance committee and voted to award the construction contract during the council meeting. "I'll move the resolution passed," the finance committee chair said before the vote; the motion carried 5‑0.

Council debate focused on the professional services agreement that will provide construction-phase oversight and materials testing. One council member asked why the city must pay an outside firm an additional amount — discussed in the meeting as roughly $75,000 — when the project already has a design firm and the contractor will perform the installation. City staff explained the original design contract did not include construction oversight and that the engineering department lacks some capabilities the project requires (for example, materials testing for concrete). A staff member said materials testing and on-site inspection are separate services necessary during construction and that outside oversight is common practice for road and signal projects.

Council members emphasized the importance of competent on-site inspection given the project's location at a busy interchange and said thorough oversight can prevent equipment or wiring problems and future costly repairs. After discussion, councilmember Jeff Watson moved approval of the construction-phase services agreement; the motion passed 5‑0.

Both resolutions passed without amendment. City staff said the contract award and the professional services agreement will move forward as approved; the council did not require any additional contingency direction at the meeting.