Independence council authorizes preparation of plans for $1.75M citywide gravel road project

City staff outlined a proposed 2025 citywide gravel road improvement project that would touch roughly 17 miles of gravel roads and include gravel recapping, drain tile improvements, spot soil work, culvert replacements and ditch grading.

Planner/Staff (Kaltsas) said the work is part of a five-year capital improvement plan intended to complete upgrades on the city's gravel system by 2030. He said the project is expected to be publicly bid with an open house in early February, bids due at the end of February and construction to start in March 2025. Kaltsas told the council the projected project cost is $1.75 million and said the city anticipates issuing debt to fund the work; he said there would be "No assessments to residents." He added the remaining costs are expected to be covered by the general tax levy and other budgeted funds.

Councilors asked about material specifications and gravel sourcing; Kaltsas responded that specifications can be written into the bid and that the city engineer had prepared plans. Councilor Betts asked whether Vose had reviewed the contract language; Kaltsas said Vose would review prior to execution.

Councilor Spencer moved to authorize staff to prepare plans and specifications for the project; Councilor Betts seconded. The motion passed unanimously among those present: Mayor Johnson, Betts and Spencer (3-0) with Councilors McCoy and Grotting absent. The authorization is for preparation of plans and specifications; the council did not award a construction contract at the meeting.