Committee approves $517,000 resurfacing contract after resident objects to sidewalk assessment

The Kenosha Committee on Public Works on July 6 approved a $517,000 contract to Cornerstone Pavers LLC for the resurfacing project identified as 26-1040, covering 27th Avenue and 24th Avenue. The award followed a public hearing on a related resolution to specially assess property owners for sidewalk and driveway approach replacement.

At the public hearing, property owner Gail Proko of 7541 24th Avenue said the four sidewalk panels the city proposes to replace are in good condition and objected to the assessment. “It's a duplex I own, and they want to replace the side 4 pieces of sidewalk on that property, and there is nothing wrong with it,” Proko said, adding that she previously replaced sidewalk where parkway trees had been removed and that the current walk “looks perfectly straight.”

A staff member told Proko the city would have staff follow up and inspect the site and arranged for someone to contact her. The committee then considered the resurfacing contract; staff reported three bidders and recommended Cornerstone Pavers. A member moved to approve the contract and the committee voted in favor by voice vote.

Why it matters: the resurfacing project includes both street work and special assessments for adjoining property owners. Property owners who oppose assessments may request inspections and appeals during the public hearing process; in this case staff committed to a follow-up inspection for Proko. The contract award moves the street resurfacing toward construction.

The committee approved the motion to award the contract and closed the related agenda items. No formal vote tally for individual alderpersons was recorded in the transcript; the clerk announced the motion carried by voice vote.