Engineer outlines sidewalk repair program; 2026 contract covers 150 locations

Project engineer Patrick Fry told the Parks & Public Works Committee on April 21 that the city owns roughly 45 miles of sidewalks and runs an annual sidewalk repair and replacement program that responds to public complaints and staff reports.

Fry said the 2026 contract (approved last fall) is approximately $259,000 and covers about 150 locations: roughly 76 full replacements and 64 grinding repairs; one notable replacement was at Riverview Park. "The purpose of this program is to maintain or replace our existing sidewalks," Fry said.

He outlined how residents can report trip hazards via the city web form titled "report a sidewalk trip hazard" or by emailing the public works inbox; complaints route to Fry and public‑works staff. After a report, crews typically perform a temporary in‑house fix — painting or placing a cold‑mix asphalt patch — within 24 to 48 hours.

Fry explained longer‑term repairs and thresholds: grinding is the first line of defense for displacements of up to 2 inches; grinding beyond that risks panel failure. Permanent fixes include removal and replacement of deteriorated panels, and a "root ramp" technique preserves trees by placing foam under panels so roots can continue to grow without producing hazardous vertical displacements.

He showed a map of the 2026 work scattered across planning areas (SR1, SR2 and downtown) and said the sidewalk presentations are not time‑sensitive and can be rescheduled if needed. The committee thanked Fry and moved to adjourn the meeting.