The City of Kenai will replace part of the public sidewalk in front of Paradiso’s Restaurant following approval by the Kenai City Council on Wednesday to award a contract for the project.
Blazy Construction will replace multiple large sections of sidewalk near the restaurant for about $35,000, to be paid for from the city’s general fund. The City of Kenai issued proposal quote requests in June to six contractors and Blazy Construction was the only company to respond.
Kenai Public Works Director Scott Curtin wrote in a July 26 memo to city council members that the city was first made aware of the problem last year, but saw no interest from contractors, who Curtin said were already behind on work due to last summer’s heavy rainfall. Since then, the sidewalk has further deteriorated.
The public walk has continued to deteriorate in the area significantly, Curtin wrote, with many sections creating tripping hazards. “This work is in coordination with the property owner who is assisting the department in preparation for the work.”
As part of the replacement, which is scheduled to be complete this fall, Paradiso’s is helping remove the planters and columns located outside of the restaurant.
Curtin told assembly members on Wednesday that 80% of sidewalk repairs done by the City of Kenai originate from complaints made, although city crews generally keep track of which areas are in need of repair as they are encountered.
The $35,000 price tag associated with the project, while high, is “on par” with rates Curtin said the city has seen locally. The project was previously deemed eligible for grant funding, however, that funding has not yet been awarded.
The Kenai City Council’s Wednesday meeting can be streamed on the city’s YouTube channel.
Reach reporter Ashlyn O’Hara at ashlyn.ohara@peninsulaclarion.com.
