Title
Consider/Discuss/Act on a Resolution Authorizing the Deputy City Manager to Execute a Landscape Maintenance Agreement for US 75 at Wilmeth Road
Summary
MEETING DATE: March 18, 2014
DEPARTMENT: Development Services / Engineering
CONTACT: Emily Braht, Landscape Architect
RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION:
· Approval of the Resolution.
ITEM SUMMARY:
· This Resolution authorizes the Deputy City Manager to execute a Landscape Maintenance Agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) for maintaining the landscape associated with the US 75 at Wilmeth Road interchange project.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
· TxDOT is in the process of reconstructing eight miles of US 75 through McKinney and has completed the reconstruction of the US 75 at Wilmeth Road interchange.
· A significant number of motorists travel along US 75 each day and develop an impression of McKinney that is partially based on the aesthetics of the corridor.
· To enhance the visual aspects, TxDOT and the City have developed construction plans for the installation of landscape improvements at this interchange through a program created by TxDOT to improve roadway aesthetics and offset the effects of highways.
· This program, called the Green Ribbon Program, provides funding for the installation of landscape improvements along recently completed state roadway projects where a local jurisdiction agrees to maintain the landscape improvements.
· To participate as a partner in the Green Ribbon Program, the City must execute a Landscape Maintenance Agreement (LMA) with TxDOT.
· The terms of the LMA are as follows:
o TxDOT will construct the landscape improvements including trees, shrubs, turf plantings, irrigation systems, and other aesthetic elements.
o The City will provide the on-going maintenance of the landscape improvements.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY:
· The landscaping at the US 75 at Wilmeth interchange is scheduled to be completed this fiscal year.
· The annual cost of maintenance will be approximately $15,000.
BOARD OR COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION:
· N/A