Council authorizes immediate repairs to three streets, waiving competitive bidding

The Helena-West Helena City Council voted to waive competitive bidding and authorize work on three streets after an engineering briefing that described growing, hazardous potholes and a failing culvert.

Mayor Joseph Whitfield opened the discussion with a review of the projects and the city’s street-fund balance, saying, “the street fund is sitting at $33,000.” Smith & Wallen engineer Mr. Walling described the options for Tulip Circle, Springdale Road and Old Little Rock Road, noting asphalt is cheaper when plants are running but that some sites may need concrete; he recommended short-term traffic control and temporary crushed limestone fills to prevent motorists from driving into deep holes.

Council members debated fiscal prudence versus immediate safety. Councilmember Mr. Ethley pressed for fuller financial reporting before committing funds; Councilmember Miss Davis, citing constituent complaints about unsafe roads, said she would vote to move forward. After discussion, Miss Davis made the motion to waive bidding and approve spending for the three sites; the motion passed on a roll-call vote, five in favor and one opposed.

The council instructed staff to proceed with mobilization while preparing an ordinance for formal ratification at the next meeting. The city manager and public-works staff were directed to pursue the least-disruptive procurement and to report back to the council with contractor costs and any necessary traffic-control plans.