Goldendale council approves consultant agreement for Darling Street reconstruction

The Goldendale City Council voted Dec. 16 to authorize the mayor to execute an agreement with Pioneer Surveying and Engineering for design and construction-phase engineering on the Darling Street Reconstruction project in an amount not to exceed $199,440.

Council discussion centered on the scope and cost of the project. Councilmembers and staff cited a project total of roughly $963,753 for Darling Street, which will include roadway upgrades, sidewalks and stormwater improvements from Mill to Rowland. Council members asked for clarification about the city's match and grant mechanics; staff said some costs would be covered by a Transportation Improvement Board (TIB) grant and that the city would be required to pay a portion of the match.

Design details drew questions, including whether the project should use rounded or square curb radii in residential areas. Staff and the consultant said curb type will be evaluated in the design phase and that a mixture of curb types may be appropriate where the street approaches the railroad and in different residential segments. Councilmembers also discussed phasing and the need to advertise for contractors; staff said bidding is expected after design and that typical bid timing would target a March–April advertise/open and construction in late spring or early summer.

The council also voted to approve Resolution No. 740, authorizing the mayor to enter into a TIB grant agreement for street, sidewalk and stormwater reconstruction on Darling Street. The motion to authorize the consultant agreement and the resolution passed with affirmative votes recorded and no recorded opposition in the transcript.

Next steps: staff will proceed with design under the agreement and return with bid documents and contract information as required for the grant and project procurement process.