2001-06-05 Special Called Meeting and Public Hearing

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REOUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM Agenda Date Requested: June Requested By: Stephen L. B. Department: parks & Roe Report: Resolution: X Ordin Exhibits: Resolution No. 2001- Exhibits: Appropriation Funds: Fund 015 Account Number: Amount Budgeted: -0- Amount Requested: $80,000 Item: YES NO X SUMMARY & RECOMMENDATION The Federal Transportation Efficiency Act provides for transportation enhancement for each state. The Texas Department of Transportation administers the program, called the State Transportation Enhancement Program (S.T.E.P.) for our state. TxDOT has issued a call for proposals for this year and the City of La Porte has two projects that, subject to Council approval, we would like to submit to the program for funding. Project 1: In 1998 the City of Deer Park and TxDOT, in a joint venture, installed a very successful landscape project on S.H. 225 at the Battleground Road exit. The City of La Porte is proposing a similar right-of-way landscape project on S.H. 225 at the Sens Road exit. The City proposes to install Palm trees on both north and south sides of S.H. 225 and around the loop section on the north side. Approximate number of trees would be +/- 54 ea. The project would require installation of irrigation for the plant materials. There are already La Porte owned underground waterlines in the right-of-way at Sens Road that could be tapped for the project. In addition, the City proposes to plant +/- 200 Oleander shrubs in the loop section as understory to the palms, rather than the crepe myrtles used in the Deer Park project. The Oleanders are much hardier, more drought resistant, and less maintenance intensive than crepe myrtles. This project is expected to cost about $200,000, of which the City's share would be $40,000. Project 2: The City proposes to restore the historic traffic circle (roundabout) at Five Points Intersection, with landscaping, irrigation and other visual facets to enhance the visual impact and functionality of the intersection, to visitors and residents. The project would require purchase or dedication of some property or easements for right-of-way considerations. The project would require some realignment of lanes, installation of traffic islands for traffic direction, and the installation of utilities (i.e. electricity and water service) in the center of the roundabout. In addition, the existing pavement in the center of the roundabout would require removal. The project would make the existing traffic signalization unnecessary and it would be removed. The center portion of the roundabout would be slightly elevated with a star design in concrete or cement landscaping blocks, and in the center would be a lighted royal palm tree that could be seen as a focal point from each of the connecting roadways. Additional landscaping would include sago palm, and annual plant materials to add color and visual appeal. San Jacinto Street will require realignment to connect with S. Broadway prior to its connection with the roundabout. This project is also expected to cost about $200,000, the City's share would be about $40,000; total cost to the City if both projects are completed expected to be $80,000. This state program is a reimbursable program and, if approved, the City would be expected to pay for the entire project, then be reimbursed for 80% of the cost, by TxDOT. Chapter 10 of the La Porte Comprehensive Plan Update provides for "develop(ment qfl gateways and scenic corridors into and throughout the community to establish a first impression and create a recognizable identityfor La Porte". These projects both lend themselves to this Comprehensive Plan Update goal, using state funding to accomplish the majority of the work. The Five Points project also fits with the Bayfront Master Plan goal "to identify opportunities for beautification and visual enhancement of the approach to the waterfront... ". There would be some increase in cost of operations should these projects be approved, due to maintenance of the areas after installation. Staff recommends that the City move forward with the submission of the nominating forms. Action Required by Council: Consider approval of a resolution approving the submittal of an application to the Texas Department of Transportation Statewide Transportation Enhancement Program for two project nominations through funding provided by the Transportation Eauitv Act for the 2 1 " Centurv. -� j�S/30 1,91 ITF;-.—City Manager Date