Fair City Council awards sidewalk and trip‑hazard contracts totaling about $86,000

Fair City Council voted March 11 to award two contracts aimed at improving pedestrian safety and repairing degraded sidewalks.

The council accepted a single bid for the 2026 sidewalk installation and replacement project from Mike Riley Construction for $77,003.45. Council members said the work will focus on school routes (4th West near the junior high), Cemetery Road and several high‑traffic driveways where sidewalks are cracked or missing. Staff confirmed funding is available from the city’s road/CC funding line.

Council also approved a separate bid from Precision Concrete to address trip hazards and sidewalk maintenance for $9,008.76. Council discussion noted that cutting and grinding trip hazards is less expensive than full replacement in some locations, though several council members urged staff to pursue longer‑term replacement in areas that repeatedly fail.

Council members said the combined projects aim to reduce liability and improve safe walking routes to schools. Work scheduling and contractor coordination will be handled by public‑works staff; the council instructed staff to notify property owners where curb or driveway work may be required.

The motions to accept the bids were carried in separate votes during the meeting. The sidewalk award was moved and seconded on the record and approved; the precision concrete award was similarly moved and approved.