The construction of a new Broadway corridor could cost taxpayers an additional $863,000 with a low bid coming in at $4.41 million, which is 20 percent higher than what the city originally estimated to build a decorative streetscape that includes colored concrete, pedestrian lighting, landscaping and a 15-foot-wide "promenade" sidewalk.

Still, city officials said Friday that, considering the extenuating circumstances, it's an acceptable bid that should be awarded to the low bidder, Fronabarger Concreters Inc. The Cape Girardeau City Council will consider a resolution at its meeting Monday night authorizing city manager Scott Meyer to enter into an agreement with the Oak Ridge-based company to do the work.

In a council report written by assistant city manager Kelly Green, the city's staff recommends that the council approve the resolution. The work is being paid for out of the voter-approved Transportation Trust Fund, a half-cent sales tax for transportation projects.

"We did anticipate it was going to come in high," Meyer said. "But we put on some very tight parameters. It's also a very aggressive schedule for them to get it done. We've looked at the cash flow, and we have enough money in TTF to do the work."

The parameters include prohibiting the contractor from closing more than two blocks at one time and closing no single block for longer than three weeks. That was done to make sure that Broadway businesses along the project, which runs from Pacific to Water streets, won't have to endure long traffic interruptions that could keep customers from their doors.

Additional work has been added to the project, as well, Meyer said, including some storm-water improvements and fiber optic lines that will push the total price tag to $4.5 million. The storm-water work calls for adding irrigation sleeves and taps at a cost of $48,000 and the fiber optic infrastructure totals about $38,500.

"We figured now is the time to do that work," Meyer said. "Having that fiber optic work and the storm-water stuff is a good idea. If we want to put up security cameras, lights, signals, whatever, we won't have to go back in and tear up the new street."

Meyer acknowledged he never likes to see projects come in over bid. A 20 percent increase over budget, he said, is never ideal.

"If you're within 10 percent, that's pretty good," he said. "But with the additional parameters and the aggressive schedule and restrictions, I think is at least worth another 10 percent on top of that."

Mayor Harry Rediger said he "absolutely" would be recommending that the city accept the Fronabarger bid. City officials knew they were going to be on a tight schedule, he said, after the project got delayed because of late questions about the design.

In January, some business owners along Broadway came forward with concerns about one aspect of the project -- the part that calls for eliminating 64 parking spots on the north side of the street to make way for the 15-foot-wide sidewalk. The council paused the project before deciding to move forward.

Additionally, the city wants the streetscape to be completed in time for the opening of Isle of Capri's $125 million casino, which is being a few blocks away along Main Street. Rediger said added pressures were created when Isle announced it was ahead of schedule and would now likely be open before Thanksgiving.

"It's very, very important to have Broadway open by the time the casino opens," Rediger said. "We also bid it with a very tight time frame also to try to protect businesses. Closing the whole street off would have saved money on the contract, but this way no more than two blocks can be closed at any time. We knew we were going to pay a premium price for the project."

Rediger did point out that the casino opening in November rather than by year's end should create some unanticipated revenue that could help offset the higher Broadway construction price.

smoyers@semissourian.com

388-3642

Pertinent address:

Pacific Street and Broadway, Cape Girardeau, MO

Water Street and Broadway, Cape Girardeau, MO