Board approves engineering contract, outlines timeline for street bond projects
Loading...
Summary
City staff presented a timeline for street-bond projects and the board authorized a contract with A.L. Franks Engineering for design work on East 24th, East 48th and Oak Street; the tax levy will be set in January and bonds are expected to issue in May 2026, with construction targeted for spring 2026.
City staff outlined the schedule for the 2025 street bond and the board authorized the first engineering contract at the Dec. 8 meeting.
Tyler said the first engineering contract covers East 24th, East 48th and Oak Street; South State Line Street will be coordinated with the Texas-side maintenance contracts so both sides can be constructed together. He said the board will approve the tax levy in January, the county will place it on tax rolls in the normal cycle, and issuing the bonds is expected around May 2026. Engineering work is expected to progress in January–April, with construction bidding and letting timed to coincide with receipt of bond proceeds in spring 2026.
The board considered a resolution authorizing the city manager to contract with A.L. Franks Engineering for design of the initial rehab projects. Director Harris questioned whether contracting would overconcentrate work with a single firm; Tyler explained the city uses a qualifications-based RFQ process and that multiple firms (including Spears Engineering) will receive projects. The resolution to enter into the A.L. Franks contract passed on a roll call vote with all board members voting yes.
Board members were told engineering fees for the very first streets will be paid from public-works operating funds so construction can begin shortly after bond proceeds are received. Staff said they will present additional engineering contracts in January as projects are staged.
