Layton reports substantial completion of St. Petersburg sidewalk project after extensive root removal
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Summary
Public works told the council the multiweek sidewalk project repairing sidewalks lifted by tree roots is substantially complete; crews removed more concrete than expected, replaced hundreds of ADA ramps and removed 206 hazardous trees, and staff will follow up with property owners about assessment payments.
Public works staff reported the St. Petersburg Drive sidewalk replacement project is substantially complete at the June 19 meeting, but said the extent of underground tree roots and related utility conflicts increased the scope beyond original estimates.
Staff described the work: crews removed damaged sidewalks, excised large tree roots that had lifted concrete and pinched irrigation and conduit lines, replaced 5,633 feet of sidewalk (more than initially estimated), replaced and repaired numerous ADA ramps and removed about 206 trees where roots had compromised walkways and utilities. Project photos showed root masses wrapped around sprinkler pipes and conduit and extensive park‑strip excavation in several yards.
Contractors are finishing punch‑list items and staff said about 70 percent of property owners had agreed to the standard payment arrangements (the city had offered a 50‑percent match on certain items and payment extensions in some cases). Roughly 30 percent of property owners had not responded; staff proposed sending reminders and reconvening the item at a future meeting for direction if owners do not settle.
Public‑works staff and council members discussed the timeline for collecting assessments and whether to proceed with the notices currently scheduled; staff recommended consistent treatment across property owners and asked the council to direct when to start the formal collection process for those who have not responded. The council asked staff to return at a future meeting with a recommended plan for closing the project and handling delinquent assessment notices. No final action was taken at the June 19 meeting beyond the status report.
Staff said the project’s larger-than-expected scope was driven by multiple mature trees whose roots had damaged sidewalks and buried utilities; the extra work increased the amount of sidewalk replaced compared with initial estimates but resulted in more durable repairs and restored ADA access for affected blocks.
