DUNEDIN — More than 30 neighborhood roads will be milled and repaved by this summer as part of a plan to address roadways in the most dire need of rehabilitation.
Clayton Watkins, utilities and engineering director, told city commissioners paving will likely begin in late April or early May, with completion estimated by July.
The project was competitively bid and seven proposals were received, ranging from $1.25 million to $1.98 million. Staff recommended commissioners approve the low bid from Preferred Materials Inc. of Tampa "to furnish all materials, labor, and equipment necessary to perform milling and overlay of existing asphalt roadways, including replacement of gutters and curbing as needed at various locations throughout the city."
Watkins said Preferred Materials has successfully completed similar projects for other municipalities. Construction will begin as soon as possible after a notice to proceed is issued.
"The depth of the milling will depend upon the specific roadway conditions," he said. Road segments were identified using data from the city's pavement management software. Several city vehicles are equipped with software that regularly reports roadway conditions to engineering staff, flagging roads in the worst condition for repaving. Brick streets are excluded.
The project came in under budget, Watkins told commissioners, allowing staff to expand the scope of work to add curbing and pave an additional street.
The available fiscal year 2026 project funding is $1.53 million. To take advantage of favorable pricing, staff solicited a change order from Preferred Materials to expand the scope. Additional work is proposed on Robmar Drive, Cardinal Drive, St. Anne Drive and St. Mary Drive.
Commissioner Steve Sandbergen asked about speed humps included in the project, noting he thought the city was trying to eliminate them.
Watkins said existing speed humps will be replaced during repaving but no new ones will be added. He said the project also includes curb repairs and additional funding this year for ADA ramps at intersections.
Residents will receive door hangers at least a week before work begins on their street, Watkins said. Crews will coordinate with homeowners on concrete work near driveways.
"It is a little bit of a disruption the day they're milling and overlay, but they will maintain traffic to make sure people can get in and out of their houses," he said.
Commissioner Jeff Gow asked about quality oversight, noting complaints from residents last year.
Watkins said the prior complaints, from residents on Lexington Avenue, came before the contractor had finished the work and before the city's inspector had reviewed it. He said inspectors follow behind the contractor and work with them to address any issues.
Sandbergen thanked Watkins, saying, "I appreciate keeping our neighborhoods looking good."
Commissioner Tom Dugard said he supports the project. "We figured out how to do more with the same amount of money," he said. "This is one of our basic responsibilities, to provide roadways in this community."
Gow said repaving is essential to maintaining city assets. "Let's spend a dollar to save $50,000, so to speak," he said.
Mayor Maureen Freaney said she wished the city had more money for roads and sidewalks. "It's one of the most important things we do, keep our roads up and keep them safe," she said.
Commissioners voted unanimously to accept the Preferred Materials bid.