Council authorizes contract to mill and repave West Broadway; public questions fairness and street-selection process

Council approved a resolution authorizing the city manager to enter into an agreement for asphalt overlay services to mill and repave West Broadway between New York Avenue and Grand Boulevard. Metro Paving LLC was the lowest responsible bidder; staff said the company is new to the city but had references checked and received positive results.

Public Works staff explained selection of this stretch balanced the resurfacing program with utility replacement needs. Staff said some streets are rescheduled for reconstruction when they require sewer, water or electrical replacement in addition to paving. Residents raised concerns that other blocks — including the 300 block of East Pine Street and parts of Beach Street — were in worse condition and asked for clearer public communication of priority lists and engineering scopes.

Public Works responded that East Pine is scheduled in the capital plan for design and reconstruction and that utility work affects scheduling. The council approved the contract as presented; staff said resurfacing work planned by utilities on other streets will coordinate with the city's resurfacing program.

The resolution was approved as part of the block vote of items 1, 2 and 5–9.