Park and Recreation committee backs Newton Blackmore Bridge design amendment, resurfacing contract and DNR grant application for archery range

The Park and Recreation Committee recommended a set of infrastructure and planning steps — including design work on the Newton Blackmore Bridge, a resurfacing and parking-lot contract, and applying for a Wisconsin DNR grant to develop an archery range — and the council approved those recommendations. Director Saul introduced Craig Hsu from Harris Associates and described an amendment to the Newton Plaquemire Trail project to fund 30 percent design and engineering work needed to complete a flood‑plain assessment and to coordinate bridge design with FEMA, the DNR and the railroad. The motion to recommend a contract amendment for 30 percent design and engineering carried in committee; the council later approved the recommendation (committee vote noted 8-1; council vote carried 9-0). The committee also recommended awarding a combined contract to Northeast Asphalt for Wolf River courtesy parking and North Street resurfacing. Committee materials list four bids with Northeast Asphalt as the low bidder at $428,284.50 (one later transcription lists $428,248.50); the committee combined the two projects to realize cost savings and recommended awarding the contract. The council approved the contract award. Finally, the committee recommended submitting a Wisconsin DNR grant application to develop an archery range at 740 River Road (near JC's dog park); the committee motion to recommend the grant application carried and the council approved the recommendation. The committee record notes a planned ground-breaking for the resurfacing project on July 21 and that work will include part of a walking trail west to Johnny's Bait Shop. The meeting packet and committee discussion include the study and design recommendation, the low bidder and preliminary schedules; the record does not include final construction contracts, grant award decisions or detailed funding sources.