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Public Works proposes SB1 project list and a pilot pavement‑treatment program; board directs staff to try a small chip‑seal test
Summary
Public Works presented its proposed SB1 project allocations and recommended contracting pavement treatments rather than building in‑house capability; the board directed staff to pilot a small chip‑seal or rubberized pavement treatment to evaluate cost and durability.
Amador County Public Works presented its fiscal‑year Unit 3000 budget and the proposed SB1 project list at the May 13 meeting, outlining equipment replacements, project priorities and a proposed approach to pavement treatments.
Public Works Director Richard Veil told the board the department’s recurring operating revenue (excluding one‑time state grants) is roughly $3.1 million and that projected RMRA (SB1) revenue for FY 2025‑26 is about $2.5 million. Veil listed proposed fixed asset replacements (including end‑of‑life heavy equipment) and recommended contracting chip seal or microsurfacing work rather than building a full in‑house pavement‑treatment crew — noting in‑house equipment costs could total $1–1.5 million.
Board direction and pilot project Supervisors discussed whether the county should contract pavement treatments or develop the capability internally. Several supervisors argued a small pilot would let staff evaluate rubberized chip seal or microsurfacing on low‑speed or low‑volume roads before larger procurement. Supervisor Carnell offered to help coordinate local contractor support and suggested testing on a short road or parking lot before wider application. The board directed staff to pursue a small pilot this year, coordinate with local contractors and report results; staff indicated bids for oil and chip delivery and striping would be practical ways to package the work if the county seeks a contractor.
Why it matters: chip seals and other surface treatments can extend pavement life and preserve existing pavements at significantly lower cost than full overlays, but they do not correct structural failures (dig‑outs are still required for sections with base failure). With limited SB1 resources, the county is weighing preservation treatments to stretch available funds.
Details and next steps - Public Works requested the board approve the SB1 project list (which the board adopted later in the meeting) and to authorize staff to begin procurement and planning for equipment and projects listed. - Staff will identify candidate low‑speed roads or public parking lots (Pioneer Park and neighborhood streets were discussed) for a pilot rubberized chip seal/microsurfacing and will reach back to contractors for assistance and training during the pilot. - The board suggested a fall review of results and asked staff to bring back lessons learned and cost comparisons.
