City proposes $300,000 pilot for sidewalk‑hazard mitigation; council signals support pending details

Assistant Street and Stormwater Manager Brad Mitchell presented a sidewalk‑hazard mitigation proposal seeking council direction to pilot a city‑led program funded by a $300,000 transfer from the pavement preservation budget. Mitchell said sidewalks are city‑owned assets within the right‑of‑way and that a city program would reduce code‑enforcement time, improve ADA compliance and allow coordinated repairs of adjacent infrastructure such as failed curbs and gutters.

The proposal divides work into minor, medium and major hazard categories, using city street crews and floating staff for minor repairs while contracting out larger removals and replacement work. Mitchell provided contractor quotes and explained the initial sum would fund a first wave of repairs and an inventory/audit this winter to determine the scope of longer‑term needs.

Council members expressed general support but asked for clarity about staff capacity, inflation adjustments in the capital plan and cases where property owners are responsible (for example, owner‑planted trees causing upheaval). Council member Scog asked staff to consider aesthetic measures such as tinting replacement concrete to avoid contrasting patches. Staff said they will return with code changes and more detailed audits and that some grant funding could offset costs in future years.

No formal vote was taken; the council directed staff to pursue the audit, prepare code amendments, and return with funding options and clearer staffing plans.