Norwich — In November, voters could be asked for the fifth time since 2006 to approve borrowing $5 million to continue an aggressive program of local road repaving, infrastructure improvements and bridge work.

The City Council on Monday scheduled a public hearing Aug. 5 on an ordinance requesting to bond $5 million for “the improvement or new construction of roads, bridges and bridge structures, sidewalks, piers and wharves, and appurtenant areas throughout the City of Norwich."

Voters supported similar $5 million road and bridge work bonds in 2006, 2009, 2013 and 2017.

By charter, the proposal must be forwarded to the Commission on the City Plan for a recommendation before the City Council votes on whether to forward it to voters in a referendum on the November election ballot. Also by charter, any spending item over $800,000 must be approved by voters at a referendum.

Mayor Peter Nystrom, a co-sponsor with council President Pro Tempore William Nash, said the 2017 bond has $3 million remaining, but city leaders wanted to schedule a new bond for a vote this fall to avoid a gap in funding with projects ongoing.

“Looking at the amount of road work needed in the town, and if you don’t do it now, you’d have to wait another year for the funding, or do a special election, which costs money,” Nystrom said. “I’m just concerned about the timing.”

Public Works Director Patrick McLaughlin said road paving is being done in spots throughout the city this summer, concentrating efforts in Greeneville right now. “There are some pretty bad roads there,” he said. Other work is in Laurel Hill, and the city will need to target streets in the Thamesville section near the Montville border.

A major project to replace the Sherman Street bridge over the Yantic River near the Asylum Street intersection will require $1 million in local matching funds to accompany state grants, McLaughlin said. The bridge is in the design phase and construction is projected to start in two years. The city made some temporary repairs on the bridge about 18 months ago.

Alderman Samuel Browning recommended that City Manager John Salomone and McLaughlin give a presentation at the Aug. 5 public hearing on the road bond to say where the money is likely to be spent, and whether it would be all for roads, for bridges, wharf work or other anticipated projects.

c.bessette@theday.com