Council approves $474,000 contract for Safe Routes to School phase 2 at Lincoln Elementary

The Grants Pass City Council included a contract award for Safe Routes to School Phase 2 on the consent agenda and adopted the consent agenda Sept. 17, approving a contract with Freedom Builders LLC for $474,000 to complete sidewalks, ADA ramps and related work near Lincoln Elementary School.

Wade (city staff) summarized the project background: the city received a Safe Routes to School grant in 2020 for pedestrian enhancements at Lincoln, split into two phases. Phase 1 was completed; phase 2 remains and must be finished by Dec. 31, 2025, to comply with the grant timeline. Wade said the city competitively solicited bids, received five responsive bids, and issued a notice of intent to award to Freedom Builders LLC at $474,000.

Wade warned that failing to finish the full project could require the city to repay state grant dollars. "Phase 2 has to be done by 12/31/2025 this year or we will be in breach of our agreement for the Safe Routes to School," Wade said. Councilors asked how much of the water-line replacement was paid from the grant versus city water funds; staff said the water fund covered the water portion while the capital fund TR6410 has adequate funding to cover the contract and potential change orders.

The contract award was included in the consent agenda. Councilor Victoria moved to adopt the consent agenda; Kathleen seconded. The consent agenda passed by unanimous vote, including the contract authorization for TR6410.

Staff said they will administer the contract from the capital project fund and monitor completion before the grant deadline to avoid repayment risk.