Ferndale approves 2025–26 sidewalk replacement special assessment; contractor authorized

The Ferndale City Council voted 4-0 to proceed with the 2025–2026 sidewalk replacement program and authorized staff to sign contract documents for the project, after a public hearing and department presentation.

The Department of Public Works (DPW) told the council the program inspects sidewalks in two districts on a biennial cycle. DPW reported it inspected roughly 2,176 properties in the two districts and identified about 780 properties with sidewalk deficiencies; using low-bid unit pricing the estimated project total is $339,615. DPW staff said about 75.5% of affected properties will receive an initial estimated bill under $500 and outlined a hardship process (previously modeled on CDBG guidance) that offers additional time to pay at 5% interest for qualifying households.

Residents at the public hearing urged clearer marking in advance of work and better documentation for owners who choose to make repairs themselves. “I got a note saying 4 need to be replaced, and I wasn't provided any documentation about what specifically was wrong with each slab,” resident Kevin Smieski said, asking staff to provide the basis for each assessed slab. DPW staff responded that field inspections are performed internally, that staff will meet on site with residents, and that a DIY option requires pulling a permit (deadline for DIY permitting noted as June 15) and scheduling inspections before construction.

Council discussion focused on tree conflicts (104 sidewalks flagged as conflicting with trees), options to protect street trees (trial of permeable pavers for 20–30 city trees), and the difference between the low bid and the inspected estimate. DPW explained that the low bid set unit prices and that final resident letters will be based on field-verified post-construction measurements; council may be asked to approve additional funding if final verified quantities exceed the authorized amount.

Council then authorized the DPW director to sign a contract with Luigi Ferdinandi and Sons Cement Inc. for the sidewalk work not to exceed $339,615. The motion passed 4-0. Staff said final amounts and hardship application instructions will be mailed to residents in early September, and the goal is substantial completion by mid-August so work finishes before school starts.

Next steps: DPW will continue on-site reviews with residents who request clarification, include details about hardship eligibility and payment options in the final notice, and return to council if actual costs exceed the authorized amount.