About a year after construction, the asphalt is still smooth on Shea and Saguaro boulevards following major reconstruction and repaving projects.

Now the town is beginning to struggle with planning for maintenance on the new asphalt as well as bringing existing streets up to standards.

In a study session on Nov. 9, Town Manager Grady Miller told the council that it is difficult finding funds for maintenance and is becoming a vicious cycle trying to catch up.

Public Works Director Paul Mood said during his presentation that the town has spent $3.5 million over the past two years improving the streets in the designated Zone 1 in the northeast part of town.

“We are only half done with what needs to be done there,” Mood said.

Meanwhile maintenance is deferred on streets in other zones around town and the pavement deteriorates more with each year delayed.

Mood and Miller are suggesting that the town move from the zone-based maintenance schedule and begin to look at a need-based program – whatever streets are in the worst condition for a fiscal year is where the work should be focused.

Mood explained that some communities are now using a laser generated map to show were critical work needs to be done. He said there is a firm that runs a van with the laser equipment attached to diagram the condition of the asphalt. The cost of the initial laser evaluation is estimated at between $60,000 and $70,000, according to Mood. He said after the baseline is established updates would be cheaper.

Councilman Henry Leger noted that Mood and Street Superintendent Justin Weldy have driven the streets for visual evaluations and provided accurate estimates of condition.

“Just playing devil’s advocate here, and I am all for the data but you are our professionals, what do we need the study for,” Leger asked.

“The issue has gotten so large that without the study you just can’t wrap you head around it,” Mood said.

“I would hate to spend money on a study and then find out we don’t have the funding to do the work,” said Councilman Cecil Yates.

Miller said the baseline evaluation is important.

“We don’t want to short ourselves in estimating the work if we propose a new bond question,” Miller said. “We need the information.”

Councilman Alan Magazine reflected on the frustration of the situation.

“I’m very reluctant to spend $80,000 if we have no idea if we are going to have the money to do anything,” Magazine said. “On the other hand, I have no idea what else to do.”

Mood also explained the maintenance treatment for new pavement. He said after two or three years the asphalt should be crack sealed and receive an overall surface seal to inhibit the damage of ultra violet sunlight.

After five or six years the work should include a crack seal and slurry seal, the common mixture of sand and oil. Another slurry seal treatment should be done at 13 to 15 years.

After about 20 years the pavement is ready for milling and an overlay of new pavement.

Mood said some communities as well as HOA groups are using a new product known as a high density mineral bond as a sealant. He said they have observed this treatment and it appears to offer a longer life between applications.

The Federal Highway Administration outlines fundamental pavement preservation and states, “An effective pavement preservation program will address pavements while they are still in good condition and before the onset of serious damage. Applying a cost effective treatment at the right time, the pavement is restored almost to its original condition.”

Mood said he wants to begin good maintenance practices with the newer surfaces on Shea, Saguaro and the streets that have been milled and overlays the past couple of years.

Council agreed that staff should go forward with a request for qualification from the laser contractor and bring back a proposal for council consideration at a future date.