Public Works Committee
Public Works flagged a growing list of delayed projects and staffing gaps, while Hawthorne Avenue data showed speeding concerns but no immediate change to the 35 mph limit. Storm-repair costs are pushing a crosswalk project, bridge-painting work and earlier leaf pickup back.
Key Decisions
The city will delay the colored crosswalk at 21st Street and Washington Street until 2027 because May 17 storm pavement repairs need the funding. The City Hall parking-deck project is also delayed until 2027 because staff are not available.
Hawthorne Avenue’s 1900 block averaged 37 mph in a 35 mph zone, with 6% of recorded vehicles above 45 mph. The committee did not act on a lower speed limit; staff first plans to separate out possible emergency-vehicle trips and compare the data with police and fire calls.
DPW said it has only one part-time plow driver and still struggles to staff all 11 to 13 snow routes. Leaf collection will start in early November, later than usual, because storm cleanup has strained the budget.
Public Input · 1 speaker
Gary Hein
He asked about the results of traffic studies on Hawthorne Avenue. His comment was moved into the committee’s later discussion of the traffic data; his residential address is redacted.
Agenda Items
Sidewalk Replacement Project
The city received two bids for the 2026 sidewalk replacement contract, from Seiler Brothers and Vinton Construction. Staff gave the committee a verbal bid overview and recommendation, but the minutes do not identify the recommended bidder or price. The contract award is headed to City Council, leaving residents without the key cost and contractor details in this committee record.
Page 1 — source unresolved
4-2026 Asphalt Resurfacing Project
MCC was expected to begin resurfacing work after Labor Day and finish by the end of September. This was a construction-status update, with no committee action recorded.
Page 1 — source unresolved
2-2025 LSL Pavement Repairs – Essential Engineering
Essential Engineering and Essential Sewer & Water were working to finish remaining pavement repairs in the city’s near northeast side, with completion expected by November. The committee received no cost, street-by-street scope or action item, so this remained a status report.
Page 1 — source unresolved
2-2026 LSL Pavement Repairs – Mammoth
The street department was moving into the 23rd Street area for pavement repairs, while DPW considered whether Mammoth Construction could help with recent pavement openings. Staff planned to assess progress through September, making this an unresolved work-planning issue rather than a final decision.
Page 1 — source unresolved
Other Projects
DPW plans to replace the colored crosswalk at 22nd and Jefferson after Labor Day, closing Jefferson Street around the intersection for an estimated four weeks. But storm-related pavement-repair costs pushed the 21st and Washington crosswalk to 2027, and staff availability pushed the City Hall parking-deck project to 2027 as well. The Washington Street Bridge overlay has significant shrinkage cracking; WDOT said it is typical, but the city still needs to seal it before winter deicing. Bridge-painting plans were also delayed to at least 2027 because new inspection requirements added costs.
Page 1 — source unresolved
Washington Street and Memorial Drive Pedestrian Crossings
Because city engineering staff have limited availability, the city plans to hire a consultant to prepare plans and permits for pedestrian crossings at Washington Street and Memorial Drive. Staff will seek prices for both intersections, with Washington Street and 12th Street likely first. The committee did not choose a consultant or commit funding, but the item matters because pedestrian-safety work is now dependent on outside capacity and future pricing.
Page 2 — source unresolved
Traffic/Speed Studies
After Gary Hein asked about Hawthorne Avenue results, staff reported that the 1900 block recorded 39,176 vehicles, averaging 37 mph in a 35 mph zone; 2,169 vehicles, or 6%, exceeded 45 mph. The 1600 block averaged 26 mph in a 25 mph zone, with 1% above 35 mph. Staff said police records do not show the pedestrian-vehicle crash cited in the complaint, and they will first check whether some high-speed readings were emergency vehicles before discussing the findings with police. A separate north Lincoln Avenue study near Dairy Queen is underway to compare traffic before and after school starts.
Page 2 — source unresolved
2027 Public Works Budget Direction
The director gave the committee an early look at 2027 project and equipment needs, but said the city still does not have a clear picture of total needs or available funding across DPW budgets. He proposed overlapping the current and incoming Public Works Director/City Engineer for six months—four months in 2027 and two in 2028—to cover budgeting, construction season, leaf collection and snow operations before his planned February 2028 departure. The proposal reflects a real continuity concern, but no budget decision was made.
Page 3 — source unresolved
Leaf Collection
Leaf collection will begin in early November rather than earlier in the fall because May 17 storm-cleanup costs have affected the budget. Residents should expect the later schedule; no committee action was recorded.
Page 1 — source unresolved
Page 3 — source unresolved
Snow Season Staffing
DPW said staffing all 11 to 13 snow routes remains difficult, with only one part-time plow driver currently available. The department plans to recruit seasonal drivers in September and is looking for internal backup options. This is not just a staffing note: it could affect how quickly streets are cleared during winter storms.
Page 1 — source unresolved
Page 3 — source unresolved
WDOT Communication – 2033-2035 Potential Projects
WDOT asked the city for feedback on possible state projects in 2033 through 2035, including work on Mishicot Road, Forest Avenue, parts of 22nd Street, Hawthorne Avenue, 16th Street and Madison Street. WDOT is also considering an ADA curb-ramp compliance project. These are early planning items, not approved construction projects, but city feedback now can shape which local needs make it into the state pipeline.
Page 3 — source unresolved
WDOT – Interim Level Bridge Inspection Certification for Movable Bridges
WDOT is developing training for interim inspections of movable bridges and is considering a schedule with interim inspections in years two and four and a full inspection in year six. Two Rivers may send up to two people; one DPW mechanic is already involved with the 17th Street Bridge, leaving one possible spot and perhaps an alternate. No action was recorded, but the training could affect how the city maintains and monitors its movable bridges between full inspections.
Page 3 — source unresolved