Tipton outlines East/West Street work, $240,000 Safe Streets grant and public safety building bid timeline

City staff briefed the Board of Public Works on multiple capital projects at the July meeting, including ongoing work on West Street, a multi-phase East Street stormwater and sidewalk project, a $240,000 Safe Streets for All grant study, and the upcoming bid for a Public Safety Building renovation. The projects matter because they address chronic stormwater and pedestrian-safety problems on Tipton—s east side and aim to improve access and drainage in neighborhoods that have experienced significant flooding. Staff said the projects are "generational," acknowledging construction disruptions in the short term for long-term benefit. Staff reported West Street crews were finishing final grade and expected paving weather permitting; once paved, concrete crews will complete sidewalks and intersection work. The East Street project will proceed in phases northward to address stormwater and missing sidewalks, with particular attention to the area near McDonald—s and Carter Small where sidewalks "simply don't exist," staff said. City staff said the Safe Streets for All federal grant award of $240,000 will fund a comprehensive safety action plan focused on pedestrian safety and sidewalk gaps on the east side. Bids for the study were out and due in August; a review panel will assess proposals and recommend a vendor to the board. On the Public Safety Building, staff said chiefs have selected materials and colors and that design documents are near final for a bid package expected by mid-August; the goal is to have construction largely completed by the end of the year. Staff cautioned that some work (for example on Parkland Avenue) could be logistically challenging for residents during construction but stressed they will maintain property access. No formal board actions on capital contracts or bond authorization occurred at the meeting; staff said review panels and forthcoming bid openings will return recommendations to the Board of Public Works for decision. The board also asked staff to convene review panels for received RFPs and to ensure access plans for residents are included in contracts.