North Bend approves $34,998.75 amendment for engineering on 2025 sidewalk gaps project

The North Bend City Council on Aug. 5 approved AB 25-084, authorizing the mayor to execute amendment number 1 to the contract with PH Consulting LLC for the 2025 sidewalk gaps program in an amount not to exceed $34,998.75.

City staffer Mark Rigos told the council the amendment covers additional design work for two project sites. One is the east side of Thrasher Avenue, where a new sidewalk will connect to the ranger station and the backside of Torgerson Park; the other is a North Bend Way sidewalk segment between a street near 140th and Tanner Road on the north side of town. Rigos said PH Consulting provided additional staff time—about $24,000 for one of the designs—and that including the designs in the 2025 program saved the city money compared with a higher-cost change order last year. An approved construction award for at least one of the sites is already in place and staff expects construction to begin in the next month.

Council members from multiple parts of town praised the project as a public-safety improvement. Council member Heather Cullen said, "As always, I like sidewalk projects. I think it's great for our public safety and the community and our city." Another council member representing the neighborhood where Site 4 is located said the redesign and prudence saved money and that residents will be glad to see construction begin.

The motion to approve the contract amendment passed unanimously; the council announced the motion passed 6-0. The amendment allows staff to finish engineering designs so construction can proceed under previously approved construction awards.