$1.1M Authorized for Wildwood Sidewalks, Streets Replacements

Wildwood city council members voted to authorize a contract of up to $1.125 million to replace streets and sidewalks at the March 11 council meeting. But discussion regarding concerns about last year's replacement work first had to be addressed.

City Engineer and Director of Public Works Ryan Thomas said the contractor for the street and sidewalk replacement will be J.M. Marschuetz Construction Company. This is the same vendor currently handling the Manchester Road Streetscape project in Wildwood: $2.2M Manchester Road Streetscape Boundaries Expanded in Wildwood

Ryan asked for $964,100 for the project, but is authorized to apply the full $1.125 million, if change orders or the scope of work is increased. He said the construction crew was ready to begin work the week of March 18.

Ryan said at an administration/public works committee's Feb. 12 meeting:  "Last year, most of Marschuetz’s work was done very well, but there was a period of time when the sidewalk work had generated some complaints, so it was recommended that only the street work be awarded to Marschuetz, and that the department investigate whether the second low-bidder would be willing to accept a contract for sidewalks only."

Ryan said the second-lowest bidder, M & H Concrete, however, is not interested in a sidewalk-only contract.

City council member Ron James, Ward 6, said at the March 11 meeting, a J.M. Marschuetz Construction Company representative attended the March 5 administration/public works committee meeting to hear firsthand about residents' concerns regarding last year's replacement effort. Residents questioned workmanship and timeliness. James said they became convinced the construction foremen would better manage this year's project.

City council member Ed Marshall, Ward 2, asked if the construction could be coordinated with school bus traffic, so buses were not blocked from being able to turn around in subdivisions.

Ryan said the replacement work would be conducted between March and August.

He said construction likely would start at Valley and Clayton roads, and work west and south from there.