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Utica updates bridge engineering, hydrant work and park repairs; residents voice water-notice and park concerns
Summary
DPW reported a $28,000 engineering add for the Ironbell Trail Bridge (MEEDC grant-funded), described a small boil-water advisory after hydrant replacement (30 residents affected, later cleared), and council responded to resident complaints about delayed pickleball/tennis court completion at Grant Park.
Utica — At its June 9 meeting Utica’s Department of Public Works asked council to approve a $28,000 FY26 budget amendment to complete engineering for the Ironbell Trail Bridge; superintendent Bill Diamond said the work is covered by a MEEDC grant and is needed to finalize documents for MDOT review.
Diamond also reported a planned hydrant replacement on Hecker that prompted a boil-water advisory affecting about 30 households; samples tested clear and the boil advisory was lifted with hand-delivered notices to affected residents. He said shutting down the water for the replacement was necessary to ensure safe drinking water while the work proceeded.
During public comments resident Judy Paladino asked when donated pickleball and tennis nets at Grant Park will be installed; the mayor and Superintendent Diamond said installation has been delayed by contractor issues and anchor backorders but that concrete footings have been poured and the city is pressuring the contractor to finish the donated installation.
Why it matters: The engineering funding is a necessary step to move a long-running bridge project into MDOT’s procurement cycle; the hydrant replacement and boil advisory affected a small set of households and was handled with targeted notices; park users raised quality-of-life concerns about delayed completion of donated amenities.
Council approved the MEEDC-funded engineering amendment and subsequent budget adjustments by unanimous roll-call vote and told residents they are monitoring contractor progress on the park work.
