Council approves Silver Spring reconstruction support: chamber public-info contract, tree removal and design engineering work

The Glendale Common Council approved a package of actions tied to the upcoming Silver Spring Reconstruction Project, including a public-information contract with the North Shore Chamber of Commerce, a tree-removal contract and design-engineering work already included in the city’s 2025 capital plan.

City staff described the Chamber agreement as a short-term, intensive public-outreach engagement. Carl said staff estimated the Chamber would provide roughly 20–30 hours per week for about 80 weeks, and asked the council to authorize an agreement not to exceed $100,000. Carl said the expense will come from the existing project budget and that costs are expected to be split 70/30 with the City of Milwaukee for certain project elements.

Council approved the contract by voice vote after Alderman Bailey moved the motion and Alder Shaw seconded. Council members asked whether other firms were considered; staff said they had not solicited other vendors because of the Chamber’s local knowledge and the short turnaround for outreach.

On tree removal, staff recommended awarding a not-to-exceed $24,486 contract to M and M Tree Care to remove trees in the median needed to meet endangered-species timing restrictions. Staff said the work had to be completed by April 1 because of an endangered species breeding season (identified in discussion as a bat) and that the contractor had already performed much of the cutting.

The council also approved a design-engineering agreement with Clark Dietz for Public Works Yard renovation and additional fees tied to the 2024 Alley and Traffic Calming Project; the design work is part of the 2025 CIP and construction is anticipated in 2026. Mr. Warwick explained the Public Works Yard design will provide space to store salt consistent with DNR rules and to better configure operations; the engineering portion of the contract includes roughly $50,000 for the yard design and additional change-order work (the agenda referenced additional fees not to exceed $71,700 for prior projects).

Why it matters: The Silver Spring reconstruction includes operational changes (median narrowing, relocation of street lights) that required tree removal and a coordinated public information effort to inform affected businesses and residents. Staff told the council the Chamber is best placed to reach local businesses quickly, referencing lessons learned during a recent I-43 project.

Quotable: Carl said the Chamber was chosen because "they know those touch points already," and staff noted the need to move quickly because construction could begin within weeks.

Next steps: Staff will finalize contracts and the Silver Spring construction schedule with state contractors; work on median grinding and other follow-up elements remains.