Council approves plans and awards $677,326 street rehabilitation contract

The Independence City Council voted to approve final plans, specifications and the contract estimate for the 2026 street rehabilitation project and awarded the construction contract to Chick Fry Excavating Company for $677,326.90.

City staff presented bid tabulations showing a low bid of $677,326.90 and a high bid of $783,949.50 and recommended award to Chick Fry Excavating. One council member objected to moving forward without additional public input, arguing residents had voiced opposition during public comment. The council discussed the procedural distinction between approving plans/specifications and deciding whether to fund or implement the project; staff emphasized that approving the documents is the step that allows procurement to proceed.

A resident who spoke during public comment had urged the council to reconsider outreach and protest thresholds, saying the notice period had been insufficient. City staff noted that the public hearing on the plans received no comments and that the council’s votes were procedural approvals required by city code.

The resolution to approve the plans and specifications passed 6–1 on roll call. Council then voted to authorize the mayor to sign the contract awarding the work to Chick Fry Excavating Company by the same margin. The contract award amount recorded in council action was $677,326.90.

Councilmembers and staff said the project will proceed under the approved plans and that additional public engagement on construction timing and mitigation can occur during the design and scheduling phases.