Sparta temporarily postponing a sidewalk project after learning the project would cost some $1.5 million more than budgeted.
Sparta Mayor Jerry Lowery said the state is holding Sparta responsible for the excess costs. In addition, Lowery said the city would need to buy right of ways on 29 properties. Lowery said if people do not want to sell, the city could condemn and essentially take those properties from the residents.
“You know what I said, and [Tonya Tindle] said the same thing,” Lowery said. “We’re not doing that. So, the sidewalk project right now, they’re re-evaluating the distance and other plans for it. Or, we’re going to completely scrap the project.”
Lowery said he does not think it is right for the city to have to pay the extra money. Lowery said he would just as soon use that money to repair the city’s existing sidewalks or build new ones where they want.
The project originally announced in January called for five foot wide and four inch thick sidewalk between intersections on Bockman Way and Turntable Lane. The sidewalks were a need because the street is not safe for pedestrians to walk on.
Lowery said the state would re-evaluate the project. City Administrator Tonya Tindle said engineers will do the same.
“Our engineers are going to give us two different scenarios,” Tindle said. “One, to do the sidewalk project to Polk Street, and then one to Brown Street. And there won’t be any stormwater, is that right? There won’t have to be any stormwater. We might have to do some curb and gutter”
Tindle said the other scenario would require more right of way, because the plans included a green space between the sidewalk and streets, rather than putting the sidewalk right up against the road.
Tindle said the engineers will give the city both scenarios and present the budget to T-DOT again.
“If it’s something that we can amend, and agree on a price and a distance, then we’ll bring it back to [the Aldermen].” Tindle said. “And worst case scenario, we have a really expensive set of plans for some sidewalks.”
In other business, Aldermen approved the purchase of a Ford Police Interceptor Explorer for $55,000. Aldermen also approved the purchase of two used Dodge Charger Police Pursuit vehicles, costing some $12,000 each.
Aldermen approved the purchase of three thermal imaging cameras for the Fire Department. This $14,200 purchase will be made with grant funds.
Aldermen approved the purchase of four mobile solar speed signs, costing some $12,500.
