The Depoe Bay City Council at a special session Oct. 30 accepted the low bid from Premier Property Development LLC for the Bay Street sidewalk project and directed staff to finalize the contract once the company signs. Councilors described the project route, drainage improvements and how the work will connect to a separate parking-lot project.

Council members said staff held bid openings and that Premier submitted the lowest bid. Staff reported conducting reference checks because the low bid was roughly $100,000 lower than competing bids; the engineer checked the bidder’s prior work (including a stormwater project in the Gresham area) and concluded the current company meets criteria. Council asked that the contract address outstanding owner-related issues and subcontractor-payment protections during final negotiations.

Speakers described the scope as a partial, soft-cut of the roadway from near the red fence by the office area, installing a new sidewalk down past the Korean restaurant, through the Hilton/boardwalk area, and tying into the city parking lot near the stairwell. The project includes ADA access panels, new curb/driveway aprons and grading changes so stormwater drains to existing catch basins rather than across the new sidewalk.

Councilors acknowledged the project will slightly narrow Bay Street in places; staff said the narrowing is within code limits and that the narrowest segment (between the old aquarium and the Korean restaurant) should remain unchanged. Some members noted resident concerns about the potential loss of parking and right-of-way encroachments; staff said those concerns were expected and that final construction drawings and easement work will clarify impacts.

S2 said staff hopes to start work soon and aims to complete the project before tour season. The council also agreed to schedule a Transportation System Plan work session to review priorities, update minor items and align projects with SDC updates and an upcoming rate study.

Next steps: staff will sign the contract with Premier Property Development LLC after the contractor signs; a TSP work session will be scheduled for further project and prioritization review.