Council authorizes Mansfield Avenue side path project, approves construction-inspection selection process

Mount Vernon City Council on Feb. 24 voted to advertise for bids on the Mansfield Avenue shared-use path and to proceed with a qualifications-based selection for construction inspection and related engineering services during construction.

The project covers Mansfield Avenue from Belmont Avenue south toward Grange, building a mostly 10-foot shared-use path that narrows to 8 feet where adjacent houses are close to the road (ODOT approved the narrowing after public involvement). Council members approved two related measures: Resolution 2025-17, to advertise bids and enter a construction contract, and Resolution 2025-18, to seek qualifications and award construction-inspection services.

City staff said the construction estimate for the project is $1,819,000. The city expects roughly $1,500,000 in ODOT funding toward construction and construction-inspection costs under a cost-share assumption of approximately 95% state/federal and 5% local; staff noted the state/federal funding does not fully cover all costs and the city’s share may be slightly higher in practice. About $600,000 of stormwater work is included in project plans; staff said they expect to apply roughly $300,000 of stormwater-utility funds toward the local share and use the capital budget for the remainder.

Construction-inspection services are expected to cost up to about $200,000 and that amount is budgeted in the project. Staff said competitive bids and bidding outside peak construction season could reduce actual construction costs; any savings would be retained by the city.

Council members and staff described the route as connecting neighborhoods, schools and existing ODOT and community-development projects, and noted the project includes sidewalk connections near the Noose/Nash intersection and a crossing near Fairgrounds Road.

The council recorded roll-call approval of both resolutions. The city will proceed to advertise for construction bids and solicit qualifications for inspection services.

Votes at a glance (project resolutions): - Resolution 2025-17 (advertise/bid construction): adopted by roll call (Yes: Mahan, Woods, Ruckman, Keener, Miller, Seibel, Severns). - Resolution 2025-18 (qualifications-based selection for construction inspection): adopted by roll call (Yes: Mahan, Woods, Ruckman, Keener, Miller, Seibel, Severns).

Funding and next steps: Staff will publish the bid documents, receive bids, and return with a bid award recommendation. Design includes 10-foot path sections, reduced 8-foot sections where needed, curb improvements at drive crossings, and stormwater work. No final contract has been executed as of the Feb. 24 meeting.