Council authorizes $24,495 change order for Solon Road work to create temporary business access

The Solon City Council approved an emergency change order, in the amount of $24,495, to TriMore Corporation for the Solon Road reconstruction project (Aurora Road to Bainbridge Road) to create temporary access benefiting adjacent businesses.

Councilmember Shimitz moved to approve change order number 2 under suspension and emergency; Councilmember Lobster seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

City staff discussed construction logistics and timing with council. ‘‘Probably take a few days to get it in. They have to get some material in there ... dig out the grass and topsoil, put some fabric down ... some stone asphalt rings and roll it in,’’ a public-works representative identified in the record as Mr. Dussek said. He also noted ancillary work, including tree removal and installation of bollards to protect a nearby gas meter.

Businesses and residents spoke in favor of expedited action. Anthony Varsali, representing Finish Line Car Wash, told the council the temporary entrance from Station Street would ‘‘give my customers a lot better convenience’’ and help keep the business operating through nearby construction. After the council approved the change order, business owners in attendance thanked the council for acting quickly to provide access.

What happens next: staff will schedule the temporary roadway work, remove specified trees as needed, and install protective bollards around the gas meter before opening the temporary access. The change order was approved as an emergency measure to shorten disruption to nearby commercial operations.