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Public works outlines CIP: Broadway Corridor, pavement projects and a plan to self-perform repairs
Summary
Public Works presented a CIP of 107 projects and described staffing and equipment plans to perform more pavement work in-house. Staff recommended deferring two general-fund capital projects to shore up reserves and outlined continued work on Broadway Corridor improvements and stormwater repairs.
Public Works and Engineering presented the city's capital improvement program (CIP) and operations budget June 12, highlighting continued work on the Broadway Corridor improvements, a multi-project pavement program and steps to reduce future contracting costs by performing more work with city crews.
What staff said Public Works reported 107 CIP projects totaling about $181.4 million across five years and 32 projects totaling approximately $5.0 million for FY 2025'26. Transportation and roadway rehabilitation were the largest category for next-year spending. Staff reported the department has reduced its full-time workforce from 44 to 40 by freezing several positions and said personnel costs are increasing due to a 4% cost-of-living adjustment and higher pension obligations.
Key capital and operations notes - Broadway Corridor Improvements: the project total is large; staff expects to expend $390,000 and receive ATP grant reimbursement in FY 2025'26; larger ATP grant reimbursements are phased across future years. - Pavement and street work: staff proposed purchasing an "asphalt zipper" to recycle and rehabilitate pavement in place and said the equipment will allow a three-person crew to address long-lived fixes rather than repeated pothole cold patching. - Stormwater priorities: staff prioritized replacement of failed corrugated metal pipe, the Li Laguna/ drainage replacements, and the Hilby storm drain (Hilby project identified for potential deferral to preserve the general fund balance). Staff noted wells and water system backups are also in the CIP, with a well-replacement line in the water fund.
Council questions and remarks Council asked about staffing impacts from frozen positions and whether the new equipment would create a net operational savings. Public Works Superintendent Monte Miller and the director said in-house equipment use could reduce contractor costs and, over time, lower total paving expenses and speed repairs. Council expressed concern that delaying some street or stormwater work raises long-term replacement costs if deterioration continues.
Ending Public Works said it will continue to pursue grant funding for major projects while seeking efficiencies in in-house delivery for smaller pavement repairs. Staff recommended the Hilby storm drain and FabLab trailer as candidate deferrals to protect the unassigned fund balance; the council accepted the package of recommendations and directed staff to bring the revised budget back on June 24.
