Committee backs $5.9 million Oldtown street-improvement contract, to forward to council

The Public Works and Natural Resources Committee recommended that the City Council approve a contract award to Earthwork Solutions LLC to construct street improvements for the Oldtown Redevelopment Project ES562. Staff told the committee eight bids were opened on Dec. 17, 2025, and Earthwork Solutions submitted the lowest responsive bid at about $5.9 million, including sales tax; the project team said the engineer's estimate was roughly $6.8 million.

Project engineer Craig Mueller told the committee the work will be “primarily back-of-curb to back-of-curb improvements” on C, D and E Streets and on Aster Street segments, including permanent lighting on Aster and undergrounding of overhead utilities except for the transmission lines on Sea Street. Mueller said intersections on Aster Street will be raised and curbless to promote a pedestrian feel. He also confirmed the project carries an apprenticeship-hour requirement because of its size and scope.

Staff said the city expanded the project scope after seeking economic development grant and loan funding; the committee chair noted the county grant and loan together cover roughly half the project (about $3 million), with the remainder coming from local real-estate tax and the transportation fund. Staff estimated construction will take approximately five months, with a target start about a month after the meeting and completion by July to align with the developer's occupancy schedule.

Council member Isa moved to recommend approval; the committee members voted in favor and the chair said the item will be forwarded to the full City Council with a positive recommendation.

The committee's action was a recommendation to the full council; final contract award and execution will require subsequent council consideration and whatever formal contracting steps follow procurement rules.