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Sunbury lays out 2026 capital projects: JR Smith Park bid, sewer lining, interceptor and street work
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Summary
Staff reviewed the city's 2026 construction slate including JR Smith Park (bid opening Dec. 12; estimated under $3.5M), a $231,000 sewer-lining contract, a 540-ft 36-inch Little Walnut Creek interceptor segment, and street-improvement funding that may include OPWC grant support.
City of Sunbury staff presented a broad capital-projects update Dec. 3, outlining parks, sewer, road and grant-driven projects planned for construction or design in 2026.
JR Smith Park: the project is out to bid with a bid opening scheduled for Dec. 12 at the municipal service center. Staff said the estimate is "not quite at 3,500,000.0" and that council will see legislation to authorize up to $3,500,000 in bonds to finance the work. The project scope described in the packet includes a splash pad, shelter house, playground, new parking, drainage improvements and a 10-foot path around the park, with sidewalks tying into Cherry and Morning streets.
Sewer lining and Little Walnut Creek interceptor: staff said Performance Pipeline Inc is under contract for approximately $231,000 to line more than 4,000 linear feet of 8-inch sewer pipe on the Shire Ditch project; if weather allows, lining could occur late January into February and take about a week once mobilized. Separately, a 540-foot section of 36-inch diameter interceptor pipe (35–40 feet deep) is planned in 2026 to extend beyond a future roundabout location; staff noted coordination with the county on timing and right-of-way outreach.
Street improvements and funding: the Street Improvements Program (SIP) package includes several primary projects (Vernon Street; North Miller widening; Cherry and South Morning). Staff estimated about $1,200,000 for the SIP and said the city is pursuing OPWC funding to bring the local match or project funding to approximately $1,000,000. Final design plans are expected by January with funding notifications from OPWC likely in February.
Other items: staff described continued wastewater treatment plant construction into 2026; a city conduit backbone project for fiber with a $50,000 budget line; sidewalks at city facilities with $100,000 budgeted for ADA improvements; and pursuit of ATP and school-travel grants that are 100% covered if awarded.
Staff said they will continue outreach to affected property owners where right-of-way and temporary easements may be needed and will return to council with specific contract actions and timelines as bids are received.
