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Mayor breaks tie to approve sidewalk work on N. Ashe Avenue
Summary
Council approved a $49,300 contract for sidewalk widening on N. Ashe Avenue to meet ADA requirements; the award and a budget amendment split the council 3–3 and Mayor Eddie Haupt cast the deciding vote in favor of both measures.
Newton City Council approved a contract Jan. 5 to replace and widen sidewalk on N. Ashe Avenue adjacent to the Newton‑Conover High School after a tie vote that required the mayor’s tie‑breaking vote.
Public Works and Utilities Director Dusty Wentz said Newton‑Conover City School requested coordination because it is constructing a new parking lot adjoining the site. Wentz recommended replacing the existing 4‑foot sidewalk with a 5‑foot ADA‑compliant sidewalk, adjusting ramps and eliminating the planting strip to avoid costly electric pole relocation. The lone bid accepted in the rebid process was from Concrete Specialty Contractors, Inc. for $49,300; staff recommended a 10% contingency for a total project cost of $54,230.
Council Member Jody Dixon moved to adopt the award and budget amendment; the award vote split 3–3 with Mayor Pro Tem John Stiver, Council Members Anne Wepner and Jody Dixon voting in favor and Council Members Jerry Hodge, Beverly Danner and Ed Sain voting against. Mayor Eddie Haupt cast the deciding vote in favor. The same vote pattern occurred for the budget ordinance amendment, and Mayor Haupt broke the tie in favor of adoption.
Council members who opposed the measure said the project was not among top priorities and raised questions about budget timing; supporters cited the city’s responsibility for sidewalks and the long‑term benefit to pedestrian access near the school. The contract and budget amendment are on file with the city clerk.
