The Pinetop-Lakeside Town Council voted 4-2 to approve a $153,046 contract for the paving of Springer Mountain Drive during its October 1 meeting. The decision marks the end of a nearly two-year planning period for the project, which aims to address long-standing maintenance requirements in the area. The council held a lengthy debate regarding the project, weighing the option of using town crews against hiring an outside contractor. Public Works Director Frank Young attended the meeting, while Assistant to the Public Works Director Malaina Spillman presented the project details. Ultimately, officials determined that hiring an external firm would expedite the completion of the road improvements. The contract was awarded to Perkins Cinders Inc. Mayor Stephanie Irwin and Councilman Jeff Phillips cast the dissenting votes. The project represents a significant infrastructure investment for the town. Following the approval, the town will coordinate with the contractor to begin the necessary grading and paving work. The Public Works Department expects to release further updates regarding the construction timeline in the coming weeks. Source: wmicentral.com