Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Accessibility Improvements topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Comcast utility wires stall Mackie Park ADA ramp; city eyes ARPA and other funding to finish project
Summary
City staff said the final set of utility wires on poles must be moved (previously Verizon, now Comcast) before the Mackie Park ADA ramp work can be finalized; staff plan to consult the city auditor about alternative funding sources, with an estimated total need near $55,000 and about $33,000 expected from ARPA.
City staff told the Economic and Community Development Committee that the final delay to complete an ADA ramp at Mackie Park stems from a single remaining set of utility wires on a second set of poles; staff said the wires are now controlled by Comcast and must be moved before the poles can be removed and the ramp work completed.
Director Stevens said this is the last technical hurdle after months of coordination with the engineering firm Ty and Bond and utility companies. She said the project originally involved both Verizon and Comcast but staff now are focused on Comcast as the remaining carrier holding the wires. Stevens said the city has repeatedly requested Comcast to move the wires and that the company has opened several service tickets, but the work remains outstanding.
Stevens told the committee she will meet with the city auditor to investigate alternate funding sources for the final ramp, because the project budget and funding mix include federal funds that must be handled correctly. Committee members asked about the funding magnitude; Stevens said she did not have exact figures at hand but estimated the total need was “close to 55,000.” She said the encumbered amount is lower than $55,000 and that roughly $33,000 of the needed funds would come from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocations.
Committee members thanked Stevens for ongoing advocacy and asked that the item remain on the committee calendar for updates. Stevens said a formal construction amendment would require going back to bidding if the original contract is closed; she noted that if a new contract is required, the city will need to follow procurement and bidding timelines.
