Council authorizes plans, bids for last phase of 2023–24 street improvements and 2025 pavement rehab

The council approved two resolutions authorizing staff to accept final plans and advertise for bids for the final phase of the 2023–24 street improvement project and for the 2025 pavement rehabilitation project.

City engineer Matt Reid said the 2023–24 project covers remaining work on southern corridors (including segments near Southern Drive, Fourteenth Avenue and Twentieth Street, behind Menards) and traffic signal changes on Chestnut Street. Reid reiterated that several signals (at Sixth, Fourth, and Second streets) will be removed and replaced with four‑way stops and that other lane‑striping and signal adjustments are included to address emergency vehicle stacking near the Public Safety building. He noted remaining median work near Super One will proceed once easements are in place.

Councilor Johnson moved to approve the resolution accepting plans and authorizing advertisement for bids for the 2023–24 street project; the motion passed. Johnson also moved approval of the resolution authorizing advertisement for bids for the 2025 pavement rehab project; that motion also passed. The city indicated bids will be advertised within about a week and opened in early to mid‑March for committee review.

Councilors asked staff whether the Fourth Avenue signal could be converted to a four‑way stop to reduce cost; staff said a change order could implement that if the council directs it. Councilor Frady asked whether previously announced federal funding for an alley project was jeopardized by a federal funding freeze; staff said the alley funding is already contracted and not at risk.

The council recorded affirmative voice votes on both resolutions.