Seaside approves $73,000 contract increase to add speed cushions near Dual Language Academy

Seaside City Council voted Dec. 4 to increase the contract with Monterey Peninsula Engineering by an amount not to exceed $73,000 to extend traffic-calming work to Sonoma Street in front of the Dual Language Academy.

Public Works Director Thomas Corman told the council the work mirrors recently completed Hillby Avenue improvements and includes two sets of speed cushions, centerline and edge line striping, red curb at driveway entrances, improved crosswalks and signage to restrict left turns during school hours. Staff recommended using MPE’s existing unit prices and paying a remobilization fee rather than rebidding, citing time savings and a level of comfort with the contractor’s performance on related work.

Council members asked whether Sonoma was part of the original contract, whether there had been prior change orders on the Hillby work and whether the school district would contribute funds. Staff said Sonoma was not in the original scope, that the district had not committed funding and that unit prices from the Hillby work would be used to reduce cost and procurement time. Several members emphasized timing to complete work during the school holiday break to minimize disruption.

During public comment residents urged care to avoid placing calming devices too frequently on main thoroughfares so that normal travel is not unreasonably impeded; others urged balancing safety near schools with traffic flow. Councilmember Miller said he supported the goal but was not convinced rebidding might not produce a lower price and voted no on procedural grounds. The council approved the contract increase 4–1.

Staff said next steps include issuing a notice to proceed, scheduling the work during the holiday break if feasible, and monitoring outcomes after installation.