Council advances downtown sidewalk and tree repair project to Feb. 17 agenda

Public Works Director Jay Harris told the Shelton City Council on Feb. 3 that an in-house design package to repair sidewalks and replace street trees downtown is ready for procurement and construction.

Harris said the project addresses tree roots that have lifted sidewalks, an arborist recommended smaller, lower-root-impact trees, and the plan includes root barriers, new tree grates and full sidewalk replacement where necessary. "We've had quite a few trip-and-fall complaints," Harris said, describing the three bid schedules in the package and the arborist-driven planting choices.

Harris reported an engineer's estimate of roughly $350,000 to $420,000 to complete the base scope plus optional schedules and said the city received 18 bids. "Diversified Holdings is the low bidder," Harris said, at $254,000 for the full three schedules; he added the city will review submittals and, if necessary, consider the second bidder (Hanssen Excavation, ~ $313,000) or award a reduced scope if funds are limited.

Council members asked whether the lower bids might allow adding traffic-calming features such as curb bulb-outs at several crossings and raised concerns about turning radii for larger vehicles. Harris said a flashing beacons crossing at Third Street is already funded and that the project team would sequence tree removal and outreach to minimize disruption during construction, targeting substantial completion around the city's Forest Festival.

A council member moved and the council voted to place the Downtown Street Tree and Sidewalk Repair Project award on the Feb. 17 action agenda for final consideration and contract award.

The council did not take a final award vote on Feb. 3; the Feb. 17 meeting will include the action to award the contract or select an alternate schedule depending on available funds.