Committee authorizes mayor to begin right-of-way acquisition for Cherokee Road culvert; design funded by ARPA WIP

The Capital Projects Committee unanimously authorized the mayor to execute the contract and begin right-of-way acquisition for the Cherokee Road culvert project, which staff described as a preliminary phase of the city's transportation capital improvement plan.

Sarah said design for the culvert is complete and had been funded through ARPA WIP dollars. The total current estimate for the project, including design, is approximately $850,000. She said the construction and right-of-way phases would be funded 100% by the city and that the bid letting was estimated for 2027 to allow time for right-of-way work.

Sarah described the existing box culvert as 48 feet wide and said the design upsizes the culvert to 58 feet to provide the conveyance necessary to pass a 100-year storm event; the expanded opening also positions the corridor for possible future roadway widening. She said staff will coordinate closely with two nearby school properties where permanent easements and temporary construction easements are needed; the easements are primarily on school property and staff did not anticipate opposition from the school system.

On the motion, the mover asked staff to prioritize early coordination with property owners before appraisals and to avoid surprises when offers are made. The committee approved the motion unanimously.

Staff said the project team will continue outreach with the school system and other property owners and will return with appraisals and acquisition updates as the process proceeds.