Saline City Council approved several construction contracts during Monday's meeting.
Council agreed to spend more than $2.7 million for work on Mills, Watson, Whittier and Nichols roads. $257,000 goes to Fleis & Vandenbrink for construction engineering, surveying and testing. $2,465,767 goes to Fonson Company, Inc., for construction. City Engineer Jeff Fordice originally proposed doing Highland Drive, too, but the cost of underground utility work is especially high in today's market, he told council. Mayor Brian Marl said he'd received communications from residents expressing support for the Mills Road project. Councillor Christen Mitchell agree.
"I think this is the third budget season I've asked for Mills to be prioritized, so it kind of literally feels like Christmas in July," she said.
Marl expressed disappointment on behalf of Highland Drive residents who will live with poor road conditions for another year, but said he was pleased with the work that can be done.
"I will be more strident next year in getting work done on Highland Drive, one of the streets in Saline. Residents there deserve to see the work completed," Marl said. "But something is better than nothing. Resurfacing these roads produces tangible benefits for residents in those neighborhoods but also for the city as a whole."
Councillor Janet Dillon asked if the detour route will take into account weekend road closures on Ann Arbor Street. Fordice said he'd explore that.
Work is expected to begin in the next few weeks and wrap up by Oct. 16.
The city awarded a $90,800 contract to Fleis & Vandenbrink for construction engineering, surveying and testing for the Woodland Drive Improvement Projects. The construction contract has already been awarded.
All votes were unanimous.
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