Platteville council approves consent agenda, awards highway painting contract and three DNR trail grants

The Platteville Common Council on May 13 approved its consent agenda and a series of project actions, including a pavement-marking contract and three Department of Natural Resources grant requests for trail work.

Council unanimously approved routine items on a single consent motion that included April 22 meeting minutes, payment of bills, the April financial report, appointments to boards and commissions (Napoleon Hall to the Commission on Aging; Joyce Spouse to the Housing Authority; Tim Durst reaffirmed; Deb Rice to the Police and Fire Commission), several liquor and event permits, and the write-off of uncollectible personal property taxes — described in the meeting packet as about $91.27.

For street maintenance, staff recommended awarding Contract 8-25 for centerline and pavement markings with Alternate A to Century Traffic, the low bidder. "If bid prices are within budget, we have an alternate," staff said; Bob Gates moved to award the contract with Alternate A to Century Traffic for $55,836.50; the motion was seconded and approved by roll call.

Council also approved three separate resolutions related to DNR grants: - Resolution 25-03: an amendment to a previously awarded DNR grant for the Southeast Rail Corridor Trail land acquisition. Planner Joe said updated parcel sizes increased acquisition costs and the city requested up to $46,721 in additional DNR funds; the arboretum agreed to provide the required 50% local match through donations. The council approved submittal of the amended application. - Resolution 25-04: a 50/50 DNR grant application for trailhead parking at the east end of Fairfield Drive. Howard described the initial phase as a gravel access road and gravel parking area (not blacktop), an estimated $80,000 project with the city providing matching funds from park impact fees and other sources. Council approved the resolution after discussion about neighbor outreach and future phases. - Resolution 25-05: a DNR maintenance grant request (award capped at $100,000) for repairs to the Mound View Park circular trail, identified as up to seven locations representing about 25% of trail length; the project would require a $20,000 local match budgeted in 2026. Council approved the resolution of support.

All votes on the listed motions were carried by roll call. The meeting concluded with procedural items and the council adjourned on a motion by Tom Noll and second by Bob Gates.

What happens next: staff will proceed with the awarded highway painting contract and prepare grant applications where applicable; grant awards and construction timelines will be announced if and when funds are awarded.