Bristol City Council on April 22 authorized the city manager to enter a contract with Alta Planning and Design Inc. to conduct a feasibility study and pre-engineering plan for a Mendota Trail–to–downtown Bristol connector.

Tamara Spradlin summarized the procurement: the request for proposals was advertised in January, received five sealed proposals, and an evaluation committee recommended the top-ranked offeror. After competitive negotiation Alta Planning and Design was found to provide the best value. Spradlin said staff recommends council authorize execution of the contract with Alta Planning and Design.

Council members discussed the firm’s background and the project’s funding. One council member said the selected firm has a track record in the region; another stressed that "this is not gonna be a cost to our taxpayers," noting the work is covered by a Tobacco Commission grant. Council members described potential benefits to downtown businesses and noted the connector could help link regional trail users to Bristol.

A motion to approve the request carried on a unanimous roll-call vote. Council asked staff and the consultant to report back with the feasibility findings when available.