Committee approves $57,184 for Amy Bell overflow lot paving, funded from Fund 41

A committee member moved—and another seconded—a recommendation to approve paving the overflow lot at Amy Bell Elementary using Johnson and Sons Paving for $57,184, funded from the district’s Fund 41 capital improvements budget. The Buildings and Grounds Committee approved the motion at its Oct. 7 meeting.

Frank Lord presented the project scope: fine-grade the existing stone base (add aggregate if needed), construct 4 inches of compacted hot-mix asphalt composed of a 2.5-inch binder course and a 1.5-inch surface course, and mark pavement per Wisconsin Department of Transportation and ADA requirements. Lord said the project would cover approximately 13,583 square feet and could be completed before frost if scheduled promptly.

Trustees discussed site access and pedestrian safety. Trustee Mike Loth and other members raised the prospect of adding pedestrian-crossing signage or a dedicated crosswalk from the new lot to the school; Lord said the district would need to consult the county for a formal crosswalk and evaluate drainage and culvert needs. Committee members said at minimum they would look into placing school-crossing signage on the district’s side.

Committee members also questioned the procurement process. Tracy (staff) noted the contractor was the same one used on recent district paving projects; staff said no new public bid process was run for this specific lot because the district leveraged an existing contractor relationship and timing considerations to secure work before seasonal frost. One committee member said they would vote no because no competitive bid process was used; the motion nonetheless carried.

The committee approved the project and directed staff to contact the county about crosswalk options and to report back at the next meeting on any procurement documentation and site evaluation.