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City administrator updates council on construction schedule, tree plantings and a resident scam warning
Summary
City Administrator Jacob briefed the council on multiple projects — seal coat and mill-and-overlay progress, pending railroad crossing repairs, tree species and ordinance review, contractor warranty and retainage (about $125,000), and a warning that the city will never accept payments by wire following recent email invoice scams.
City Administrator Jacob gave a multi-topic update on July 5 covering construction projects, streetwork, trees and a recent resident scam attempt.
Jacob said the first phase of the seal coat project has been swept and storm sewer repairs on Jones Street are complete; remaining seal-coat work should finish by the end of the month. On the mill-and-overlay project, the south section of Thornton has been milled and crews are pouring curbs and driveways; work will move to Woodworth Street next.
He reported the city held a pre-construction meeting for planned concrete replacement at three railroad crossings (Hall, Rome and Main), with work likely to begin in early August and each crossing taking roughly two weeks from closure to reopening.
On streetscape and tree plantings, Jacob said the city is coordinating with a landscape architect on species selection and placement, discussed Silva Cell systems under pavement to protect roots, and warned about tree roots entering subdrains — a maintenance concern that can damage infrastructure. He said some plantings are not in compliance with the city's tree ordinance and staff will review relocations and possible ordinance changes, with any physical moves planned for fall.
Responding to a council question about contractor responsibilities, Jacob said the contractor is responsible for maintaining trees for one year and the city is tracking staff time and supplies; he reported roughly $125,000 remains in retainage related to the projects and said the city could use retainage to complete warranty work if needed.
Jacob also warned residents about recent emailed invoice scams requesting wire transfers and emphasized, “We will never accept money by wire,” advising residents to call and verify any suspicious requests.
No new funding sources were discussed in detail during the update; staff said additional follow-up information will be provided to council by email.
