Council awards $994,230 paving contract for rotating program; Council Member Rubio declares conflict and is excused

The Wasilla City Council approved AM 2536, awarding a contract to Big Dipper Construction in the amount of $994,230 for the FY26 rotating paving program. The contract is described as year five of a five‑year program to pave city gravel roads, with a historical annual allocation near $1 million.

At the outset of the meeting Council Member Rubio declared a conflict of interest for item AM 25‑36: “I would like to declare financial interest in action memorandum number 25 dash 36, which proposes awarding a contract to Big Dipper Construction, a company owned by my father, and therefore considered an immediate family member under WMC 2.01.010. I wish to be excused from the participation in the matter to include discussion and action on the item under WMC 2.01.040.” The presiding mayor ruled in favor of Rubio's conflict of interest and Rubio was excused from participation on the item.

Council member Graham asked staff how many linear feet of gravel roads remain to be paved after this contract and whether additional years of funding would be required; Public Works staff said the remaining roads include sections with unique characteristics that will likely be more expensive and estimated another year of funding could be needed depending on inflation and road conditions. Staff committed to provide a complete list of remaining roads with linear footage and cost estimates.

The council approved the contract without objection.