Council approves professional services agreement for downtown improvements phase one

The Perry City Council approved a resolution authorizing a professional-services agreement with Bolton for phase one construction services to oversee the downtown improvements project through pre-construction and construction, including environmental compliance and coordination across funding sources.

Staff explained the contract will carry the project from pre-construction through construction, covering environmental reporting, coordination among multiple funding sources (water quality initiative, EPA funds, and CDBG-style development funds were discussed), and serving as the city’s field-inspector liaison. The contractor aims to schedule a pre-construction meeting close to the planned start and staff intends to hold a public information meeting so impacted business owners can meet the field inspector and contractor before major work begins.

Council discussed sequencing (starting near Wells Fargo down to Warford) and the likelihood that some work will carry through more than one construction season. Staff said early fall demolition and utilities work were anticipated to achieve a meaningful portion of the first phase but that full completion will extend beyond a single construction season.

Why it matters: the project covers downtown infrastructure and streetscape work that will affect businesses and pedestrian access. The agreement clarifies responsibilities for environmental compliance and fund reporting.

Next steps: staff will schedule the pre-construction meeting and a public information session; construction scheduling will follow contractor availability.