Council awards spring asphalt patching contract amid complaints about Main Street repairs

The Richmond City Council approved awarding the 2026 asphalt repairs contract (SR-4) in the amount of $15,680 to the contractor named in the motion as JSP Contracting, with expenses charged to major street, sanitary and water funds.

City public works staff explained the city experienced an abnormally high number of pavement failures after a cold winter and identified about 16–17 patch locations that need attention. Public Works staff (Jim, speaker 11) told the council the department is not equipped to perform the work in-house and that the city received bids; staff identified James P Contracting as the low bidder in an earlier remark, while the motion named JSP Contracting. The transcript records both names; the council approved the contract as presented.

Council discussed timing and prior performance on Main Street. Mayor (speaker 1) and other council members criticized a past contractor’s delays and substandard work: "They should have fixed it right the first time," the mayor said in the meeting record. Public Works staff (speaker 11) said the city is working with the contractor to get the repairs completed and confirmed the city has contractual remedies if the work is not corrected: "We certainly have that option. We're working with them to allow them the opportunity first to correct it, but certainly, we will address it."

Staff said the contractor is expected to begin work before Memorial Day, though no firm date was recorded in the transcript. Council clarified the awarded patching contract does not include ongoing Main Street restoration work tied to a separate contractor; that work is being coordinated with the contractor’s asphalt subcontractor and may depend on railroad permitting for permanent restoration.

The motion to award the contract was made by Council member (speaker 10) and supported; the motion carried by voice vote.