Street improvement bids discussed

RITZVILLE – The City Council authorized Mayor Scott Yaeger to sign two bid documents for road and sidewalk improvements east of Division Street during its Tuesday, May 21, meeting.

Both bids have scheduled openings in June, and the projects are scheduled to be completed by September.

The first bid provides for pavement maintenance and Americans with Disabilities Act curb ramp replacement for about 2.5 blocks along East First Avenue from Division Street to Palouse Street. Project specifications include removal of existing curb, curb ramps, and sidewalk; grinding and pavement removal; paving; new concrete curbs; curb ramps and sidewalk; and striping and traffic control.

The second bid covers sidewalks on both sides of Sixth Avenue, from Division Street to Chelan Street. The project originally set sidewalk widths at 6 feet, but on further consideration the scope was reset to a 5-foot width. Moreover, the second project was modified to specify replacement of sidewalks in poor condition only.

Specifications for the second project include sidewalk demolition, driveway replacement, curb line repair, provision of ADA curb ramps, sign replacement, pavement striping and landscaping, as needed.

For both projects, the city’s share of total project cost increased over previous estimates. Although the total cost for the first project decreased from $480,142 to $425,622, the city’s share increased by $4,323 from $38,411 to $41,734.

For the second project, the city’s share increased as well. The total cost decreased from $413,529 to $393,287, but the city’s share increased by $11,597 from $20,676 to $32,273.

The city’s portion increased over previous estimates because state Transportation Improvement Board funding rules limit only a certain percentage of the total project cost to be spent on preliminary and construction engineering. Because those costs were higher than originally estimated, the allowable amount of grant funding decreased.

As a result, the city had to pick up the difference. Nevertheless, the state board will cover about 90% of the total cost for both projects through grant funding.

Clerk-Treasurer Julie Flyckt noted the city has sufficient funds in its 2024 budget to cover increased costs.

The council authorized the mayor to sign bid agreements.