As indicated in her report of September 6th, City Manager Matthews stated that certain work and inspections could not take place until a new gas meter was installed. She informed the City Council that staff was successful in having this work performed earlier than originally scheduled, and the meter would be installed on September 13th.
Based on the information currently available, the City Manager advised the City Council that staff would likely relocate in the latter part of September. This date was subject to change, depending on the time frame for utility-related work and the conduct of inspections. Staff would notify the community of the relevant dates as soon as information becomes available, utilizing the website and other communication avenues.
City Manager Matthews informed the City Council that the project management team was in the process of preparing the "punch list" for submission to the contractor.
Councilmember Williams expressed a desire to provide some type of walkway through the parking lot as soon as possible. This sentiment was echoed by several other Councilmembers. The City Manager stated that staff was evaluating a number of options, taking into account the storage and other needs of the contractor for the Community Plaza Level as well as parking.
Councilmember Williams provided the other members of the City Council with an update on landscaping. He noted that staff had previously brought forward a proposal in the amount of $30,000. In the intervening months, staff had developed an alternative, lower cost proposal. Councilmember Williams asked the City Manager to describe the new proposal.
City Manager Matthews stated that some landscaping is provided for in the City's contract with James F. Knott Construction Company. In order to provide a more cohesive landscaping approach, the City requested delivery of the trees rather than having the contractor plant them. The City will receive a credit from the contractor for the cost of installation. As noted by Councilmember Williams, staff had developed a revised landscaping plan that focused on the Maple Avenue pedestrian bridge. As proposed, six planters and four benches would be installed. Trees would be planted along Maple Avenue. The cost of the revised landscaping proposal is $13,500. Following a discussion of this matter, the City Council authorized the City Manager to move forward with this proposal and agreed to transfer $13,500 from the unappropriated reserve to the Community Center Fund.