Council deadlocks on Main Street pedestrian project after debate over tree species and underground work

The council considered staff's recommendation to publish a bid announcement for the Main Street pedestrian improvement project, a downtown sidewalk rehabilitation that would replace curb, gutter, sidewalks and street trees and add underground conduit and irrigation.

Contractor and resident commenters raised concerns at the podium. Longtime contractor Anthony Michele warned the council the project's scope does not include wholesale replacement of water services and sewer laterals and that pavement poured in stages can look patchy unless underlying utilities are fully replaced. Residents, including Kelly Wheaton and Mister Powell, urged caution about the proposed replacement tree species (Chinese pistachio and Zelkova were mentioned) because of future root and height issues and impacts to buildings and solar arrays.

Staff said some sewer laterals will be handled by a separate sewer lateral project coming for award, and clarified that water service replacement (from main to meter) is the property owner's responsibility and not funded in this project. After discussion, the council voted on a motion to authorize publishing the bid announcement. The roll call vote was: Vice Mayor Deasy — yes; Mayor Doreen — yes; Council Member Spatarotto — no; Council Member Summers — no. The motion failed on a 2‑2 tie.

Why it matters: the project would rebuild downtown sidewalks and add conduit for future streetlights and irrigation but raised concerns from residents who said the design and tree selection should be revised to avoid long‑term damage and patchwork paving. Staff said redesigned elements and community engagement could be returned to council for refinement before rebidding.

Next steps: staff will return with further refinements and additional information on trees, utility coordination and paving approach before seeking authorization to reissue a bid solicitation.