In recent years, the City of Ripon has done away with many of its sidewalk trip hazards.

City Council members, at their June 8 meeting, received an update of the work that’s taken place since 2019.

In that span, 29 sidewalk trip-hazard projects – repaired or replaced – have been completed, according to Civil Engineering Supervisor Elizabeth Quilici in her report.

Another seven is pending completion.

Ripon Municipal Code’s Sidewalk Repair, Maintenance or Replacement indicates that property owners are required to “maintain the sidewalk area in a non-dangerous condition.”

Along those lines, they have the option of using the city-hired contractor to perform the repairs at the same rate or hire a separate contractor.

Vaughan Construction of Manteca was brought on in July 2019, with elected leaders approving the first amendment to the maintenance contract over a year later “not to exceed the amount of $50,000.”

Council, in addition, approved the recent invoice of $4,074 – paid via Street & Road Fund – to cover the three completed sites.

A quick summary of the sidewalk trip hazards from July 1, 2019 through May 1 of this year included:

• Completed 2019 – 13, Responsible party, City (7); Homeowner / Utility Co. (6).
• Completed 2020 – 22, Responsible party, City (6); Homeowner / Utility Co. (16).
• Completed 2021 – 4, Responsible party, City (3); Homeowner / Utility Co. (1).
• Pending completion – 7, Responsible party, City (1); Homeowner / Utility Co. (6).