Sunbury council signs 2025 paving contract, approves change orders, grant applications and routine business

Sunbury City Council on April 15 authorized several contracts and administrative actions: the 2025 paving contract and notice to proceed were signed; change orders for public building improvements were approved; the council authorized staff to pursue multiple grant opportunities; and several routine personnel and finance items were approved.

Paving contract and notice to proceed: Council voted to sign the 2025 paving contract and issue the notice to proceed for 2025 street work. The motion passed during the meeting and city staff were authorized to execute the contract documents.

Change orders and facilities work: The council approved a change order directing Selsun to mount new electrical panels in a basement area to centralize electrical/IT utilities; additional change orders were approved for Hepco to provide paint and glass for vestibules and to create a new partition in the code office to make a new staff workspace. Council also approved a contract for CSG Baker Revive (snack bar operations) contingent on solicitor review and authorized signing after legal review.

Grants and policing funding: The council authorized staff to pursue several grant programs, including the COPS hiring program (which can provide up to $125,000 per officer over three years), state crisis response funds (up to $350,000 for de-escalation and crisis training), the SBPP school violence prevention program (up to $500,000), and Norfolk Southern safety and thriving-community grants (smaller awards; staff noted examples ranging from $15,000 to $50,000). Council asked staff to prepare applications ahead of formal opening dates where possible.

HOME program extension and personnel: Council approved an extension to a HOME program grant contract to allow the sponsor additional time to sign required documents. The council also approved hiring Brooke Thomas as a part-time employee at $17 per hour, effective May 3, and approved other personnel items noted in the personnel report.

Fiscal items: Council approved abstracts and vouchers for the general fund ($102,202.87), liquid fuels ($6,835.10), private grants ($3,044.00) and payroll ($71,476.17). The meeting also included routine approvals to proceed with planned events and road closures.

Ending: Staff were directed to finalize contracts, proceed with paving operations, continue grant applications, and follow up with the solicitor and department heads to implement the approved change orders and personnel actions.