Smithfield — The Town of Smithfield Council voted to table awarding the downtown street-resurfacing contract until its November meeting so staff can complete reference checks of the lowest bidder and publish the list of streets to be resurfaced.

Public works staff member Lawrence told the council that 23 streets were included in the resurfacing package and that the town solicited bids from 20 vendors; five bids were received. Lawrence said Coastline Contracting Company LLC submitted the lowest bid and asked the council to award the contract to that firm.

Councilmember Pickett and others urged caution, saying the town is committing a historically large amount for paving this year. A council member noted the budgeted paving amount is “almost $2,400,000–$2,500,000” for the year and referenced prior paving expenditures in the same budget cycle, emphasizing the need to confirm contractor quality before awarding a large contract.

Pickett asked that staff post the specific list of streets to be resurfaced on the town website so residents can plan around work and so the public is aware of which blocks will be affected. Councilmember Raybould suggested coordinating paving with other utility work to avoid cutting a new surface soon after it is paved.

Councilmember Pickett moved to table the award to the November meeting to allow staff time to check references and to confirm scheduling; the motion received a second and carried by voice vote. No roll-call tally was given in the transcript.

Why it matters: The town plans a large paving program that covers 23 streets; the council paused to confirm contractor references to protect project quality and taxpayer dollars. Staff will return in November with reference checks and other due-diligence findings.

What’s next: Staff will verify references for Coastline Contracting Company LLC and other bidders, publish a street list for public notice, and return to council in November for a possible award vote.