Westfield OKs Howard Asphalts contract to begin citywide trail maintenance; resident offers right-of-way

The Westfield Board of Public Works and Safety voted June 24 to award a trail-maintenance contract to Howard Asphalts, the lowest bidder, to begin resurfacing and long-term maintenance on sections of the city's trail network.

Michael Pierce, Westfield's director of engineering, told the board the contract will include resurfacing, seal coating, crack filling and patching on several trail segments, and that the stretch in front of Carriage Elementary will be repaved. "We have I believe the number is close to 100 mi of trails now within the city and so it's time to really put a focus on maintaining those long term," Pierce said.

Board members discussed specific segments. One member described a parcel between two trail segments near Carey Road and said the property owner told the board he would be willing to dedicate right-of-way for a new trail connection; Pierce said staff will work to formalize the dedication and assess the work required to add a new trail segment.

Pierce said the city solicited quotes on June 8 and received five competitive responses; the low quote was Howard Corporation/Howard Asphalts. The motion to approve the contract was made, seconded and carried by voice vote.

Pierce also noted that some maintenance will be limited to crack filling and seal coating while the Carriage Elementary stretch will be fully repaved. Staff indicated they will coordinate scope and scheduling with other community repairs and resident requests.