On October 17, 2023, City Council authorized the execution of a professional services agreement with Short Elliott Hendrickson, Inc. (SEH) for the design, bidding and in-construction services for the first phase of the Downtown ADA, Lighting and Tree Rehab Improvement Project (CIF-22-003).

The project improvements include replacement of the existing street lighting system (including cabinets, conduit, wiring and poles), improvements to pedestrian ramp facilities, removal of decorative pavers and tree replacements along Fuller Street from County Road 69 to 3rd Avenue, 2nd Avenue from Fuller Street to Atwood Street and the south side of 2nd Avenue adjacent to the Lewis Street west parking lot.

Plans and specifications have been prepared and are ready to solicit public bids for the improvements. Upon approval, the advertising and bidding will commence with a scheduled bid opening in May 2024. Bids would then be considered and awarded with construction of the improvements scheduled to begin in August 2024 after the downtown events have concluded for the summer.

The overall CIP budget for this phase of the project is $1,032,000 which includes engineering and administration costs. The project will be funded by the Capital Improvement Fund and the Tree Replacement Fund.