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Mount Vernon awards $1.299 million Rachel Street contract and advances 2025 sidewalk project
Summary
Council awarded the Rachel Street improvements contract to Rathje Construction for $1,299,523.93 and adopted plans/specs and an estimate for the 2025 Sidewalk Improvements; the sidewalk program lists 171 locations, 105 private owners opted into the city contract and two loan options are available to property owners.
The Mount Vernon City Council on July 7 approved multiple measures to advance public‑works projects, awarding the Rachel Street improvements contract and adopting plans and specifications for the 2025 Sidewalk Improvements.
Council approved Resolution #7-7-2025A awarding the Rachel Street, traffic-signal and municipal improvements project to Rathje Construction based on nine bids; the recommended award amount is $1,299,523.93, compared with an engineer's estimate of $2,400,000. The motion passed on a roll-call vote with all councilmembers recorded as supporting the award.
On the 2025 Sidewalk Improvements, City Planner Leigh Bradbury told the council that staff identified 171 locations for repair or replacement; 105 private property owners elected to be included on the city's contract, and Cornell College is participating. The city established two payment-loan options for property owners (three‑year and six‑year terms). A notice to bidders was posted with a bid opening scheduled for July 17, 2025; construction was expected to begin in early August and to be completed by Nov. 14, 2025. A prospective bidder asked technical questions and was directed to Veenstra & Kimm for clarifications. Council later approved the plans and estimate via resolution.
Council also approved related project administration items that appeared on the consent or action agenda, including engineer invoices and an engineering services agreement to support grant requirements. The actions move both projects into the procurement and construction phases.
