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Council approves removal of uneven flagstones on South Madison; homeowner to pay replacement costs
Summary
Council accepted an unsolicited proposal for a resident to remove nonstandard flagstones in front of 17–19 South Madison Street and replace the sidewalk with material compatible with the rest of Madison Street at the resident's cost.
The council on July 24 approved a plan for a resident to remove large, nonstandard flagstones in front of two downtown properties and replace the sidewalk with material compatible with South Madison Street at the resident's expense.
Public Works staff said the stones at 17 and 19 South Madison create maintenance and pedestrian-safety concerns: gravel washes out in rain, the irregular stone creates tripping hazards and the surface is difficult to maintain. A resident offered to remove the stones, pay the removal cost and have the town's chosen sidewalk material installed; staff published a notice and reported no competing bids.
Council moved and approved the proposal with a friendly amendment specifying the work would be at the resident's cost. The replacement will preserve the current sidewalk grade — staff noted lowering the sidewalk would create accessibility and building-entry issues — and would not change long-term plans for broader South Madison Street improvements. Staff said the contractor would coordinate timing with town staff to limit disruption to downtown businesses and suggested completing the work in an off-peak period or this winter if preferred by merchants.
The motion passed on recorded vote with all council members voting aye.
