Sunbury City Council voted 6-0 Wednesday to award the 2025 City of Sunbury Street Improvements project to Decker Construction Company and to amend the contract language so the city’s total commitment does not exceed $2,000,000.

The amended ordinance covers the base bid — which includes the Columbus Street parking lot — plus alternates such as rejuvenation treatments, Vernon Street work and a police parking lot redesign intended to deter through-traffic. Mayor Eric Saint John moved to amend the ordinance to set the not-to-exceed amount at $2 million; Councilmember Cappell seconded the amendment. Council later voted to suspend the rules and adopt the measure as an emergency, and the ordinance passed with six yes votes.

City Administrator Joe Hennessy told council that Decker was the lowest responsive bidder and, if approved, could mobilize by the end of June. “They were the lowest inappropriate bid,” Hennessy said in the meeting record, noting the firm’s ability to begin work quickly. Hennessy and services committee members stressed that the package was recommended by the committee.

Councilmembers framed the package as a substantial investment in city infrastructure. “This is the largest streets program we've ever done,” Mayor Saint John said during the discussion, noting the program will add parking capacity on the square and other targeted improvements.

Contract documents presented to council list contingencies and alternates; the council approved an amended ordinance authorizing the city administrator to execute the contract subject to the $2 million cap. Council members and staff said Decker could begin mobilization toward the end of the month if paperwork and bonds are in order.

The ordinance and bid materials specify the set of alternates included in the contract and identify certain alternates the city did not recommend. Council discussion also referenced planned pavement-preservation treatments (described in staff materials as “rejuvenation”) intended to extend pavement life for selected streets.

Council members said they would notify the public about staging and schedule once Decker’s mobilization timeline is confirmed. The ordinance language adopted Wednesday allows the city to proceed immediately with contractor selection and mobilization.