Independence City Council approves 2026 street rehabilitation plans and awards $677,326.90 contract

The Independence City Council on Feb. 9 approved final plans and specifications for the 2026 street rehabilitation project and authorized the mayor to sign a contract awarding the work to Chick Fry Excavating Company for $677,326.90.

Council opened and closed a public hearing on the project's plans with no members of the public speaking on the record. Staff presented a bid tabulation showing offers that ranged from $677,326.90 to $783,949.50 and recommended awarding the contract to Chick Fry as the low, responsive bidder. Council then approved a resolution confirming the plans and, in a separate roll-call vote, approved the contract award; transcripts record Applebee voting no on the motion while other members voted yes (the transcript records the approvals as passing with recorded tallies of 6–1 for the plans confirmation and the contract award).

The action authorizes the city to proceed with contracting under the adopted plans and cost estimate. Council discussion before the votes acknowledged public concern about notice and protest procedures for the broader road project, raised earlier during the meeting by a public commenter who said residents had little time to respond to petition or protest rules. City staff emphasized that the votes before the council were procedural steps to approve the submitted plans and permit procurement to proceed.

Next steps include finalizing contract paperwork for signature by the mayor and notifying the successful bidder so work planning and scheduling can begin. The city indicated it will follow the procurement and contract administration processes outlined in the packet and the adopted resolution.