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Sidewalk program may make Chardon comeback
(by Joseph Koziol Jr. - April 02, 2009)
Sidewalk program may make Chardon comeback
By JOSEPH KOZIOL JR.
Chardon city officials will explore resurrecting a program that allows residents to reap savings on fixing their sidewalks.
The city will examine whether contracting for larger segments of sidewalks will provide reduced pricing for that work.
The option was discussed Monday during a meeting of City Council's service committee. It grew out of a discussion of whether the city, not residents, should be responsible for sidewalk repairs.
The program discussed was previously used by the city in the 1980s, city Manager David Lelko said.
At that time, there was good participation by residents who allowed the city to bid for the work, covering larger areas and providing cost savings to residents. However, he said, as participation waned, the city discontinued the service.
Councilwoman Mary Bramstedt said some residents, who now have the responsibility to pay for repairs, have expressed disappointment that some areas of the city have had sidewalks built or repaired at no cost to the residents who benefited.
Mr. Lelko said, in those cases, such as along North Street or Park Avenue, the construction of sidewalks was part of a larger street project and often was paid by an outside agency, such as the state. It did not make sense to turn down funding for sidewalks when it was made available to the city, he said. "It was part of an overall project."
But he said it has never been the policy of the city to pay for sidewalk repairs. That has always been the residents' responsibility, Mr. Lelko said. He said council also has never required residents to build sidewalks where gaps may exist.
Mr. Lelko said the city previously provided some relief through the program in which the city bid out sidewalk repairs.
He said that process, although a benefit to residents, was "horrendously time consuming" for the administration. He said city workers had to measure the sidewalks slated for repairs, obtain contracts and negotiate with residents how the city would be repaid.
Councilwoman Deborah Reiter said there are enough needs for sidewalk improvements, such as filling gaps in various areas where no sidewalks exist. She said one such area is between Irma Drive and Mel Harder Park.
A recent discussion with planners encompassed a much broader scope in developing a network of bike and pedestrian paths in the city, she said. "It's a little more grandiose than I think we need at this time."
Councilwoman Leslie Bednar said the bike and pedestrian plan now being developed would address exactly what Mrs. Reiter spoke of. She said that plan would establish priorities and allow the city to address those gaps. She said the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency is providing more money for those types of alternative transportation projects at this time, and the city may be able to tap into those funds, showing it has an orderly plan for developing the sidewalk or trail network.
Randal Sharpe, assistant to city manager, said the city already requires that any new commercial or industrial development provide sidewalks as part of its construction plans.
Mr. Lelko said the same requirement applies for new residential developments.
He said the city's policy as it exists is to send a letter to a property owner when a complaint is made about the condition of a sidewalk. He said the letter notes that the city received a complaint and that the property owner could be liable if an accident were to occur.
Mrs. Bednar asked whether the city would once again consider contracting for sidewalk repairs in hope that residents would benefit.
Playing the devil's advocate, Mr. Sharpe said, the city could see residents saying they would participate, but only when they have the money available.
Mrs. Reiter said the economic situation may make it difficult for some residents to participate at this time.
Gayland Moore, city public service director, said the city has to be specific with its dealings with a contractor. He said if the city cannot specifically address the volume of materials or locations of the proposed work, the contractor will be hard pressed to give a price break. "It drives the price up because there are no known quantities," he said.
Mr. Lelko said without specific information the city can bid, but would not see that great a reduction in price. He said the city would look into it.
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