The Brownwood City Council during Tuesday morning’s meeting unanimously approved awarding a construction bid to Ribble Concrete Construction for $321,048 for the City of Brownwood’s Downtown Sidewalk Grant.
In March, the city council authorized staff to seek bids for the sidewalk project around the block of the Brownwood Coliseum to be funded through a grant from the Texas Department of Agriculture. Four bids were submitted for this project from Ribble Concrete Construction, Onyx General Contractors, Escobar’s Top Cut Lawn Care, and Futra-Vest Construction.
Each bid was divided by the main sidewalk construction project as well as up to 3 add alternates which included sidewalk lighting and 2 star crosswalks in nearby intersections. The most competitive bids were submitted from Onyx and Ribble – depending which add alternates are ultimately approved with the project.
Ribble Concrete Construction was the low bidder at $321,048 as the total available funds allocated directly for this project is $324,500.
Also Tuesday, the city council adopted a resolution to submit a a grant application to the Texas Community Development Block Grant Program – Community Development Fund for a water and sewer line project.
This program is administered by the Texas Department of Agriculture, applications are due on May 3, and the maximum grant request this year is $350,000. There is a match requirement for this grant of 20% of the funding request, or $70,000. The required match is based upon population.
In reviewing the program priorities and details, the City has identified water and sewer line replacements in the Valley/San Jacinto neighborhood as the top priority and street reconstruction in this area as an alternate project to apply for. There are several local lines in these neighborhoods that are dilapidated and aged, which cause frequent service disruption and maintenance. Replacing these lines will improve service and operation for the residents in these areas.
A program requirement is that grant funds must predominately benefit low to moderate income residents. The City is finalizing this beneficiary survey process, but it appears the project will meet the eligibility requirements. All costs are contingent upon the City receiving a grant award, but the anticipated project budget is $315,000 for construction $70,000 for engineering $35,000 for administration
This is a competitive grant application program where the City will compete for funding with other non-entitlement cities and counties. Based upon preliminary scoring information, it appears Brownwood has a competitive score to receive a grant award in the Fall of 2021 or the Fall of 2022. After the grant is awarded, the staff anticipates construction to begin on the project within 12 months, or sooner.
The resolution authorizes the submission of the application and designates the Mayor and City Manager as authorized to submit the application and sign contract documents, if funded.
Also Tuesday, a public hearing was held regarding an ordinance to change the zoning classification of the Fowler and Nunns Addition, Block 1, Lot 4-9 & 11-18, Part 1-3, 19- 20, Block 2, Bradford Street Alleys also known as 1115 Brady Avenue from R-3 Multi-family residential District to C-U College and University District.
After the public hearing in which Development Service Director Tim Murray provided background information, the city council unanimously voted to approve the ordinance.
Also Tuesday, the city council unanimously approved a mural be painted on the retaining wall along Vine and Washington Streets behind the Lehnis Museum and approved the funds to come from reserves with a budget amendment at the end of the year. The amount is $12,895 for labor and supplies, and the mural will be painted by Tony Bryant who recently finished the train mural at the Vine Street underpass, along with the mural at Red Wagon.