Council approves $24,000 supplement for railroad crossing design, citing right-of-way work

The Shelton City Council on Feb. 3 adopted Resolution 1427-0126 authorizing the city manager to execute a supplement to the professional-services agreement for railroad crossing design services.

Staff explained that survey work for three downtown railroad crossings showed one historic signal pole sits on SPSI property and that addressing the right-of-way requires additional design and easement work not included in the original scope. "Originally we had scoped about $181,000 for the complete design and specifications," a staff presenter said. "We needed to add a little bit more money, about $24,000, to compensate for that right-of-way piece." The presenter said the construction project is roughly $600,000 and that the city will use grant funds and be reimbursed for the added design cost.

A council member framed the effort as part of a broader downtown connectivity goal, saying the rail crossings could become a trail connecting parks and improving walkability. After a brief discussion, a motion to adopt the resolution passed by voice vote.

The adopted resolution authorizes the city manager to execute Supplement No. 1 to Agreement No. 25-002-TSA with Courtesy, Inc. (design firm) to add the supplemental design funds so the project can proceed toward construction this summer, contingent on completion of right-of-way agreements and routine contract submittal reviews.