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Council approves $270,429.58 contract to restore Murphy Field courts after debate over cost and timing
Summary
The Department of Public Services recommended awarding Murphy Field tennis and basketball court restoration to Hartford Paving for a not‑to‑exceed $270,429.58. Councilors questioned the price and schedule; staff said the cost was in the CIP and the contract includes fencing and upgraded safety backboards.
The council approved a not‑to‑exceed $270,429.58 contract with Hartford Paving Corporation for restoration of the Murphy Field tennis and basketball courts. The project is budgeted and includes resurfacing, replacement of the tennis court fencing (posts retained where possible) and installation of upgraded backboards to meet current city safety standards.
Council members asked staff to justify the cost and to explain construction impacts. "How can I justify spending $277,000 for minor inconveniences like cracks when there are other greater needs in the neighborhood?" one councilor asked. Public Services engineering staff said the cost aligns with recent comparable projects and that four bidders participated, with other bids $60,000–$70,000 higher in some cases. Staff emphasized player safety as a driver: "The intent is to have these on a regular schedule...they have become inches wide and begun to become a concern for player safety."
Staff estimated that work on each court would take a few weeks (weather permitting) and that nearby courts (Rogers, Pop Flax) could be used during closures. With those explanations the council approved the contract.
