The City of Sammamish authorized the city manager June 3 to execute a design contract with Pertit Incorporated for the Southeast Sixth Street Improvements project (TR‑134) in the amount of $305,695 plus a 10% management reserve.

Public Works Director Audrey Sarci and Deputy Director Greg Stamatillo briefed council on the project, which completes the southern half of a new connector street adjacent to Lower Sammamish Commons Park and links to developer‑built work on the north half. The developer constructing Brownstones East and West has already installed curbs, gutters and utilities on the northern half; the city’s contract will design the public half of the street, angled parking, sidewalks, lighting and stormwater elements so construction can go to bid next year.

Stamatillo said the design contract and utility coordination will take the project to a 100% design package; staff expects to solicit construction bids in late 2025 and begin city‑led construction in early 2026 with completion targeted for summer 2026. The project is on the Transportation Improvement Plan and the city’s CIP: staff cited a 2025 design budget of roughly $395,000 for the project and a construction estimate of about $2.1 million, for a total program budget near $2.6 million.

Councilmember Kent Treen raised procurement questions about consultant selection; Treen said he had concerns about Pertit’s performance on past work. Staff said they followed the city’s purchasing process, conducted a qualifications‑based selection and concluded Pertit was the most qualified respondent for this design contract. Councilmember Kaylee Clark moved the authorization; the motion passed on a voice vote.

Sarci and Stamatillo said the project will retain existing rain‑garden features where feasible, improve pedestrian access to the park, reduce driveway conflicts on 220th Avenue and consolidate access points to improve safety. Staff also said they will coordinate closely with the parks department to maintain pedestrian access during construction and to preserve the park edge and landscaping where possible.