Council approves emergency contract with Strauser Paving for Winchester Boulevard improvements

Canal Winchester City Council on May 5 approved emergency legislation authorizing the mayor to enter a contract with Strauser Paving Company for construction of the Winchester Boulevard Improvements project and declared an emergency to meet required contracting timelines.

Construction director Bill Sims presented the request during the work session and explained the timing need: city staff said the contract must be executed promptly to meet construction start dates and material scheduling. Council voted to suspend the normal requirement for two additional readings and adopted the ordinance as an emergency measure so the mayor could sign the contract without delay.

Procedure and votes: Councilmember Amos sponsored the ordinance and moved to waive the second and third readings; the motion to suspend rules was seconded by Councilmember Amick. The subsequent motion to adopt the emergency ordinance carried on a roll‑call vote. Council members who spoke noted reluctance to skip readings but accepted staff’s explanation of schedule constraints for public‑works contracts.

Next steps: With the ordinance adopted, the mayor may execute the construction contract; staff will oversee contract performance and timing. Council asked staff to ensure transparency on scope and schedule and to circulate project updates during construction.

Speakers and attribution: Bill Sims (Construction Director) presented the project overview and timing rationale; Councilmember Amos introduced the legislation. The ordinance record shows the council adopted the emergency contract authorization by roll call.