Committee recommends $3 million borrowing for Everett streets, sidewalks and complete-streets work

Everett City’s Committee on Ways and Means voted May 19 to recommend that the full City Council approve a $3,000,000 borrowing to fund two capital projects: $2,000,000 for streets and sidewalks and $1,000,000 for complete-streets improvements.

City Engineer Eric Swanson, director of engineering for Everett City, told the committee the list before members is preliminary and based on a city priority list. He said the city has about $3.5 million available when Chapter 90 reimbursements and existing capital-improvement funds are included and that he expects to send notices to proceed and financial amounts “later this week,” adding, “I’m hoping that they can start within 2 weeks.”

The appropriation matters because it authorizes borrowing that will allow staff to issue change orders and award work to contractors, according to Swanson. He said the city intends to use DNR Paving and Jay Marchese & Sons for the work and that schedules will be shared with the committee once available. Swanson also said the city wants to schedule work so contractors have sufficiently large elements of work and to avoid pouring concrete late in the season; he estimated work would run through November.

Committee members asked for details on how streets were selected, timing, and what happens to unspent funds. Swanson said streets were chosen based on condition and an effort to distribute work geographically across wards. He said some streets were excluded because they are in areas that either have ongoing lead service-line replacement or require additional water-main work; those streets would be repaved only if water-related work is completed early enough in the season and funds allow.

Councilor Hanlon pressed for close tracking and transparency on expenditures. "I want to know everything about this $3,000,000 ... I want to know where every penny goes," Hanlon said; Swanson replied he would provide schedules and keep the committee apprised of spending and any need for additional appropriations.

Members raised several specific items: Maplewood remains in poor condition but is in an area with planned water and lead-service-line work; Swanson said that area requires further investigation before surface work. Work on Bailey and Paris is separate from this appropriation and is being handled with the solicitor and outside counsel and from a different fund because of ongoing litigation, he said.

On procedure, the chair called for a favorable recommendation to the full City Council. The committee voted in favor with no recorded opposition and moved to adjourn.

The recommendation now goes to the full Everett City Council for final action; Swanson said staff will return to the committee with schedules and spend-tracking information as contractors begin work.