Shorewood approves Safe Step contract to grind hazardous sidewalks, budget capped at $30,000

The Village Board approved a proposal with Safe Step to continue the village's hazardous sidewalk program for 2026, with a contract amount not to exceed $30,000. Public Works Director Mr. Noriega described the approach as a grinding process to remove elevation differences instead of full removal or mud jacking, saying "This process involves just the grinding of the surface in order to eliminate the actual elevation change" and that it is "best when elevations are approximately 1 inch or less."

Noriega said the program is entering its fourth year and that the 2026 work would focus on the Hunt Club and Vintage Area subdivisions. Trustees confirmed that larger elevation issues would be handled by mud jacking or removal and that Safe Step is intended for smaller, quicker fixes. The board approved the Safe Step professional services proposal by roll call.