As City Council may recall, the 2015/2016 Downtown Landscaping Improvements Project was included and approved in the City's 2015/2020 Capital Improvement Program.  Elements of the project are as follows:

·       Downtown parking lot frontage improvements designed to meet minimum requirements to the City's Land Development Code.

·       The removal of existing Drake Elms Downtown and the replanting of those trees around the City's stormwater pond located at Main Street and Old Main Street and along the railroad right of way adjacent to Grand Boulevard between Cecelia Drive and Pasadena Drive.  

·       The removal of the existing galvanized fence and the installation of a new black vinyl fence around the existing stormwater pond located at Main Street and Old Main Street.

·       The replanting of appropriate trees for an urban setting Downtown.

·       Ground cover upgrades in all medians located on Main Street in the Downtown area.           

At the June 7, 2016 Council meeting Mr. Jim Gilman, Landscape Architect, Associate Vice President of the Genesis Group  presented to Council the concept design of the project.  Subsequent to his presentation, Council requested Mr. Gilman return at a future Council meeting and present to Council additional design drawings depicting single stem Crape Myrtle trees as another option to compare to the proposed replacement of the existing Drake Elms with Windmill Palms.  Council also request a drawing depicting ground cover and plantings in every other tree grate with the single stem Crape Myrtles. Finally, Council requested staff to compare cost of black fencing to decorative railing around the existing stormwater pond located at Main St. and Old Main St.; this cost comparison process is ongoing.  Present tonight to discuss the project scope and answer questions is Mr. Gilman.