Council approves $30,863 paving overage after crews hit unexpected road base

The New London City Council approved an ordinance Nov. 3 authorizing $30,863 in paving overages to cover unexpected additional asphalt and time for several streets in this year’s paving program.

The ordinance, numbered 11‑03‑25‑02, was read into the record and discussed during the consent/agendas section. Mayor Passaro and staff described the change order as the result of contractors milling down to dirt in some locations (School Street cited as worst condition), which required added underlayment and additional asphalt tons. The mayor said the added material was less than 10% of the total asphalt used and the overage was about 7% of the entire paving contract.

Councilors asked for clarity on scheduling and communication with residents about where and when streets would be paved. City staff and the mayor said paving season for the year was complete, that striping and remaining sidewalk work will be completed by contractors, and that the city coordinates paving with utility work to avoid cutting newly paved streets.

The ordinance passed by roll call with six yes votes and no recorded opposition.

Votes at a glance: Ordinance 11‑03‑25‑02 — paving change order $30,863: Adopted by roll call, 6 yes, 0 no.

What remains: City staff will finish striping and sidewalks and begin planning next year’s schedule; residents seeking the status of a particular street were asked to contact Public Works for the paving schedule.