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Resident questions funding shortfall as council approves Bracket Street crossing plans and contract
Summary
At a public hearing and subsequent votes, Charles City approved final plans and awarded a contract for the Bracket Street railroad crossing. A resident criticized the use of a $200,000 incentive and argued the funds would not cover other crossings (Kellogg, East Street); council and staff said positions evolved during negotiations and the smaller crossings will require separate funding.
Charles City council approved final plans and later awarded a construction contract for the Bracket Street railroad crossing after a public hearing in which a resident raised concerns over how closure-incentive funds are being used.
Resident Ryan said the three-crossing package — when combined — came to about $763,000 and questioned whether closure-incentive funding of $200,000 (as originally discussed) would cover Kellogg and East Street improvements. "Originally when this was being talked about, it was because there was going to be $100,000 from the state and $100,000 from the railroad... this is a $763,000 project when the three of them are added together," Ryan said.
Staff replied that the city is receiving $200,000 in closure-incentive money ("$100,000 from CPKC and $100,000 from the DOT"), but that those funds and the package evolved during negotiations; some crossings (notably Grand Avenue) are separately funded by Section 130 funds and water/sewer work is charged to utility funds. Council members said Kellogg was not part of the current funding package and will need separate plans and funding.
Later in the meeting staff reported two bidders for the Bracket Street project; POP Excavating was the low bidder at $128,295 (engineer estimate $127,000). Council moved to approve Resolution 3126 (final plans) and Resolution 3226 to award the contract to POP Excavating.
The council closed the public hearing after discussion and voted to approve the plans and award the contract. Council members confirmed that decisions on Kellogg and East Street will be addressed in future agenda items and budgeting discussions.
Officials said much of the Bracket Street street work will be funded by closure incentives and railroad/DOT contributions, while any local water or sewer work remains a city expense.
