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Council hears plan for HAWK pedestrian signal and sidewalk near Forest Cove; funding questions remain
Summary
Staff presented a HAWK pedestrian signal and a sidewalk extension on South Main Street to serve Forest Cove and nearby businesses; federal safety funds will cover most of the project, but committee members asked for clarification on bid and local match before moving the resolution forward.
Chair Neugebauer opened the finance committee discussion of Resolution 2024‑R34, a resolution to award a contract to Parham Electric Inc. for a South Main Street pedestrian crossing and to appropriate funds and declare an emergency.
Director Pickett described the project’s origin: residents of Forest Cove and customers walking to the Naughty Vine asked for a safer crossing. “We looked into the HAWK signal concept,” Pickett said, explaining that HAWK (high‑intensity activated crosswalk) signals remain dark until a pedestrian activates them and then provide a full red phase to motorists.
Committee members pressed staff on placement, sidewalk connections and expected benefits. Pickett said the project includes a new sidewalk on the west side of Main from the Forest Cove entrance to the Naughty Vine parking area, an ADA ramp at the entrance, and the HAWK signal north of the Buellers Plaza entrance.
Financial details were discussed. The committee stated a Parham Electric bid and funding breakdown: “the bid by Parham was $2,275,155 and with a 10 contingency, the project cost is $302,671,” and committee members and staff cited federal safety funding covering the majority; staff said federal funds on the project total $232,783, leaving a local match of $69,888. Council agreed to take time and return in two weeks for third reading.
Council members also discussed public outreach and education for drivers unfamiliar with HAWK signals, with staff agreeing to attempt targeted messaging and to coordinate with the city communications director.
The committee did not vote on the contract at this meeting and took time for further review.
