Resident complains city alley work left garage inaccessible; staff promise follow-up

At the Oct. 28 council meeting resident Robert Edstrom told the council he has been unable to use his garage for roughly four months because an alley resurfacing left his apron too high to drive in.

Edstrom said crews paved half of the alley, then stopped “and I haven't seen any work in that alley for 3½ months,” and that he had paid for a garage he could not reach. He told councilors he had not received a satisfactory explanation from city staff or the contractor.

City staff responded that the project followed a staged approach: new underground infrastructure was installed, an initial bituminous application completed, and a second lift was planned for the following season to allow settlement. Pam said she would provide Edstrom a copy of an email from Matt Reed of SEH and have SEH and the general contractor contact him to arrange either a second coat before winter or a temporary apron so he can access his garage.

Councilors acknowledged the inconvenience and asked staff to ensure direct, documented follow-up. Pam said staff would make sure public works, the engineer of record and the contractor contact Edstrom with a timeline.