Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transportation Infrastructure topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council clears way for Hart Street connector path construction; authorizes bids up to $650,000
Summary
The council authorized public works to advertise and award a construction contract for an ADA‑compliant multiuse connector path linking the Corte Madera–Larkspur path to Hart Street, with a contract cap of $650,000 plus a 10% contingency and $400,000 grant funding from TAM covering part of the project.
The Corte Madera Town Council on April 15 authorized the director of public works to approve plans, advertise for bids, and award a construction contract (not to exceed $650,000) for the Hart Street connector path project, which will replace an existing steep dirt shortcut with an ADA‑compliant eight‑foot multiuse path.
Senior Civil Engineer Chris Goode presented the project scope, funding and timeline. The project will build an accessible path between the Corte Madera–Larkspur path and Hart Street, install ADA curb ramps and crosswalk improvements at the Palm/Hart intersection, and replace undersized or damaged storm drains where the path will cross municipal drainage infrastructure. Goode said the base engineer’s estimate for the work was about $505,000 with two optional bid add alternates; the full estimate including add alternates was roughly $568,000. To provide room for market variation, staff requested authority to award up to $650,000 plus a 10% contingency for unanticipated costs.
The project is partially funded by a Safe Pathways to School grant from the Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM) of $400,000; the remainder will come from the town’s sales‑tax–funded capital budget. Goode told the council crews expect to begin construction during the summer to minimize disruption to school and neighborhood traffic and estimated a short construction period.
Council members asked about tree removals (Goode said approximately 21 trees would be removed, many of them small or invasive species, with replanting where practical), detour and access plans during construction, and design details to reduce misuse of a potential staircase that is an additive bid item. The staircase alternate was requested to provide a safer, shorter connection for pedestrians approaching from certain directions; staff will evaluate bids and decide whether to include the staircase as an add alternate.
Council vote: Council member Andrews — yes; Council member Beckman — yes; Council member Casiza — yes; Vice Mayor Thomas — yes; Mayor O’Vasio — yes. The motion carried.
Staff will proceed with advertising the project and returning to the town for contract award consistent with the authorization.
