Bids for Wheeling’s paving contract for this fiscal year came in considerably under budget, and city leaders are preparing to move forward with annual street resurfacing this spring.

Members of Wheeling City Council will meet tonight for their second regular council meeting of the month. Among the new pieces of legislation on tonight’s agenda is an ordinance authorizing Wheeling City Manager Robert Herron to spend $623,995 with Semper Fi Paving of Bridgeport, Ohio, for the city’s 2025 street resurfacing projects.

The cost of the contract is expected to be covered by the city’s regular Restricted Capital Improvement Project (RCIP) fund and money generated by the City Service Fee.

Council had originally set aside $800,000 for this fiscal year’s paving project. According to the city manager, all bids received came in under budget.

Semper Fi Paving submitted the lowest bid for the work. By comparison, Cast & Baker bid $635,808 on the paving project, Kelly Paving bid $662,124 and NLS bid $727,179.

The ordinance for the paving contract is up for a first reading during tonight’s council meeting. It is expected to receive a second reading and a vote for adoption during city council’ first meeting in May.

Tonight’s meeting will take place at 5:30 p.m. in council chambers at the City-County Building, 1500 Chapline St.

Also on tonight’s agenda, a second reading on the issuance of up to $3 million in bonds to fund sewer projects in the city is expected to be considered.

A new ordinance is being introduced to approve and adopt 2024 replacement pages to the city codes. This routine action occurs when state laws are amended, and local municipalities take action to conform with state laws that have been adjusted.

Another new ordinance is being introduced to authorize the city manager to spend $81,750 with ICR Equipment of Bellaire for a 2024 Yanmar excavator for the Water Pollution Control Department. This purchase will be paid with money in the WPCD Replacement Vehicle Fund. ICR Equipment submitted the low bid for the purchase. By comparison, RECO Equipment bid $74,105 and AG Pro Companies bid $78,000.

Council is also expected to vote on a resolution waiving procurement procedures for repairs to the city’s wastewater treatment plant for flood related damages that occurred in February and April of 2024. Repairs to the plant are expected to proceed. Because of a federal disaster declaration, many elements of the repairs are expected to qualify for reimbursement through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Prior to the regular council meeting, the Finance Committee of Council is scheduled to meet at 5:15 p.m. in council chambers.