Lansing City Council hears update on Bridges to Renewal Vision Plan, addresses improvement and repair matters, and schedules public hearing on budget levy
by Joshua Sharpe
At its Monday, February 17 regular meeting, the Lansing City Council reviewed the formal resolution for the Platt, North, and 4th Street Improvements Project, addressing contract terms and performance bond requirements. Legal and compliance checks were completed, ensuring the project met municipal standards. The resolution formalizes the contract agreement and performance bond requirements for the upcoming street improvement work on Platt, North, and 4th Streets.
However, deliberations revealed that some required bid bonds had not yet arrived, prompting a temporary postponement. Due to that missing element, the approval of the resolution had to be tabled.
Resident Ron Hogan raised multiple questions regarding water service line replacements, backfill materials, and road resurfacing in regard to that street improvement project. Hogan asked, “Are water service lines being replaced all the way to the shutoff valves on properties?” The council clarified that city-owned service lines would be replaced up to the shutoff valves, but any replacements beyond that point would be the property owner’s responsibility.
Hogan further inquired, “Will the water lines be replaced from the street to the shutoff on private property?” The response confirmed that all city-owned water lines from the main to the shutoff will be replaced, but any work beyond the shutoff valve falls to the homeowner.
Concerns about backfill materials were also raised, with Hogan asking, “How will the trenches be backfilled after the water line replacements?” PeoplelService representative Duane Estebo explained that compacted rock, rather than sand, would be used to prevent settling issues experienced in previous projects.
Another pressing question involved road conditions following the underground utility work, to which Hogan asked, “Will the roads be resurfaced after the water line work is completed?” The council assured residents that once the water line work is completed, the affected streets will be fully resurfaced to restore roadway conditions.
The discussion also touched on potential project delays due to missing bid bonds, which could impact the overall timeline if not resolved promptly. Concerns about lead service line replacements were also addressed, with the council confirming that any lead pipes discovered during the project will be replaced as part of the infrastructure improvements.
Additionally, residents were advised to expect temporary disruptions, including road closures, water shutoffs, and construction noise throughout the process. Timeline and contractor accountability remained a focus of the discussion. When asked, “Is there a timeline for when work will begin?” the council confirmed that the project will begin within 60 days, weather permitting, with completion anticipated by late fall.
Financial oversight was also considered, ensuring that funding sources, including state and municipal allocations, were aligned correctly before finalizing the contract. The resolution outlined the total contract value of $925,039.09, covering labor, materials, and contingencies. Despite initial setbacks, the council emphasized that the project remains a priority for the city’s ongoing infrastructure development.
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