Council approves Front Street Bridge rehabilitation contract after mayor recuses

City project manager Kyle Burton told council staff recommended awarding a $2,449,650 contract to Saffo Contractors Inc. for the Front Street Bridge rehabilitation. The scope includes full deck replacement, substructure repairs, painting and installation of a three‑bar metal rail system that meets NCDOT pedestrian/vehicle safety standards. Burton said the work is expected to extend the bridge lifespan by about 25 years.

Council discussed the bid history: the project was rebid after the original lowest bidder proved not to meet DOT qualifications; Paragon Building Corporation previously submitted a lower bid but withdrew, leaving Saffo Contractors as the lowest responsive, responsible bidder. Mayor Bill Saffo announced he would recuse himself from the vote because a family member owns Saffo Contractors; the council accepted his recusal (motion and second on the record) and Mayor Pro Tem Spears presided for the item. Council then voted to approve the contract unanimously at the meeting.

Councilmembers asked staff questions about bid amounts and the rebid process; staff confirmed three bids were received and explained the procurement history. No additional conditions or amendments were recorded at the meeting.