WESTFIELD – The City Council’s Legislative and Ordinance sub committee heard a request to amend bond order #2721, which was for roadway improvements to permit expenditures to pay for costs of roadway and traffic light improvements on Springfield Road.
JOE MITCHELL
Treasurer Meghan Kane said funds remaining in the bond, which total $2.72 million, would allow the city to supplement expenses from a $1.93 MassWorks grant for traffic lights and road widening on the street. She said $20,000 would be used upfront for design and the rest for contingencies.
City advancement officer Joe Mitchell said the project involves road widening , and installing a light that will talk to five other lights. “Because this isn’t just a light,” Mitchell said, adding that the project on Route 20 has to be in conformity with state regulations. “We have to jump through all the hoops,” Mitchell said.
L&O member Bill Onyski asked if the bond expenditure could be limited to $250,000. Kane said a limit would require them to come back before the City Council if that limit were exceeded. City engineer Mark Cressotti said that amount could be low, and he would recommend a $500,000 limit.
“The hard part in coming back to go through two more readings, is it could cancel the project,” said director of purchasing Tammy Tefft. “I think Mark (Cressotti) is correct,” she added.
Cressotti said it was still early in the project to tell how much might be needed.
Figy suggested amending the bond, with a provision of up to $400,000 to be used for engineering and contingency. City solicitor Susan C. Phillips said that Kane would have to amend the bond, and have it approved again. A motion was made to leave the request in committee.
