Council seeks county help on guide rail near Purcell school after no bids; hopes to complete work before winter

Council members raised the status of a guide-rail project near Purcell School at the May 12 Jamestown work session, saying a recent bid produced no responses and the city has reached out to the county for assistance.

Council member Panbaniti (rolled in with other roll call comments) and another council member said the project involves sidewalk removal and associated costs that have driven bids away due to the small project size. Public-works staff said they had not yet heard back from the county about performing the work but would pursue a plan if the county cannot assist.

Council members also said they had discussed seeking a cost-sharing arrangement with the school district; staff said the superintendent has previously indicated willingness to work with the city on such projects but had not committed a specific contribution. The council noted a preference to complete the work after the school year ends to avoid disrupting the intersection during school days and expressed a goal of finishing before inclement weather returns in the fall.

Council direction recorded in the meeting included continuing outreach to the county and school district and developing alternative implementation plans if outside assistance is unavailable. No formal vote or contract award was recorded during the work session.