The Medford City Council on July 2 approved a $585,341 construction contract with Leduc Construction LLC to complete fish‑passage improvements on Lazy Creek between Bear Creek and Highland Drive.

John Bile, the city’s former public works director, told the council the work is mitigation required under permits the city received when it built a stormwater detention facility in 2001. He said the detention facility impacted fish habitat and that regulatory agencies required mitigation downstream in the Lazy Creek drainage.

"The agenda item that we're seeking your approval is a $585,341 project to Leduc construction to complete a project on Lazy Creek to assist with fish passage," Bile said, describing the project scope as removal of existing structures, construction of a roughened channel with a series of pools and rock weirs, and a 30‑foot pedestrian bridge to replace a dilapidated box culvert.

Bile listed multiple permitting agencies involved: the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries), Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Division of State Lands, and Oregon DEQ. He said the project was publicly bid in May and Leduc was the low bidder.

Construction will begin after council award and is funded from the city's storm‑drain utility fees. Staff recommended approval and the council voted 6‑0 to award the contract.

Councilors asked about temporary trail closures. Bile said the bridge being replaced is a small side path between the dog park and BMX track and that the Greenway Trail will remain open with a short detour while the work is underway.

Questions by councilors about Leduc Construction drew staff comment that the contractor is a local firm active on similarly sized projects. The staff report identifies Knife River as the other bidder.

The contract follows a regulatory mitigation obligation tied to earlier development; staff will report construction progress and coordinate closures with Parks and Greenway users.