Garden City approves $7.25M concrete reconstruction and related 2026 road bond projects

Garden City's City Council approved multiple 2026 road bond contracts on March 23, moving forward with a large concrete reconstruction program and two complementary pavement-maintenance projects.

DPW Director Homan presented three contract extensions for the 2026 road bond work. Council approved a contract extension with Hard Rock Concrete of Westland, Mich., for the concrete reconstruction program in an amount not to exceed $6,465,308 with a 10% contingency; design and construction services with Hennessy Engineers of Southgate not to exceed $636,988.98; and construction management and inspection with the Buccilli (Bacile) Group of Livonia not to exceed $149,946, for a combined project total not to exceed $7,252,242.98.

Hennessy and contractor representatives described changes in cement composition and the intended use of a penetrating sealant to reduce surface pitting caused by increased limestone content in Portland cement and salt runoff. "We've increased that to 10 to 15% and that's created... a little bit more susceptible to salt drip," said Hard Rock Concrete president Tony Crimaldi, and he urged targeted use of the high-performance sealant in high-salt corridors such as Maplewood.

Council debated sealant scope and costs. Crimaldi said full-seal coverage of the $6.5 million program could add an estimated $500,000'$600,000; he proposed prioritizing high-stress areas and using a less expensive sealer on lower-exposure streets. Hennessy said the contract prices are "not to exceed" figures and the final cost may come in lower; he also explained that testing and layout work is included in Hennessy's construction costs.

Council also approved a sectioning program with GV Cement Contracting (not to exceed $700,000 plus 10% contingency; total combined project $781,986) focused on southeast neighborhoods, and a joint-and-crack-sealing contract with Al's Asphalt (not to exceed $300,000 plus related services; combined program $346,479). Council members said preventive maintenance such as crack sealing extends pavement life and can be more cost-effective than repeated replacements.

All road items were funded from the road bond and related local road funds; staff noted some additional state revenue (marijuana tax) may supplement bond funds for larger projects. Council approved the reconstruction, sectioning and sealing motions by voice votes of 7-0.

Next steps include pre-construction meetings to set timelines and a summer construction schedule; staff said Maplewood and other high-traffic corridors will be prioritized and the city will publish construction schedules once preconstruction meetings are completed.