Lowell staff present three bids to finish East First Street; River Bend quote $15,112

City Administrator Max Baker told the council the East First Street paving project requires the final 2 inches of asphalt to complete the roadway; the base 4-inch layer has already been placed and engineering inspections of the sewer line and related litigation hold-ups have been resolved. The three quotes Baker presented were from River Bend Construction ($15,112), Wakeview, and Wildish.

Baker said the River Bend quote did not include compaction testing while Wakeview's price included compaction testing for an additional $500; staff recommended not requiring compaction testing because achieving the specified compaction initially can be difficult and the surface will continue to compact naturally with traffic and weather. The council and Baker discussed using contractors' mobilization to also address nearby potholes on South Alder, Cannon and a spot on D Street; Baker said DFN, already working in the area, could handle some of those smaller repairs for equipment-only costs and that Pave Northwest could do limited repairs under their spending authority in May.

Baker said the city will advertise to property owners on First Street so residents can coordinate additional private paving with the vendor at cost, mirroring prior outreach done on Main Street and Lakeview. He emphasized the work must be timed for appropriate paving temperatures: a prior attempt was delayed by excessive heat and winter paving is not an option. The council did not take a formal vote at the session; staff indicated the goal is to complete this work within the current budget cycle once inspections and scheduling align.