Title
Consider/Discuss/Act on a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Landscape Maintenance Agreement for US 75 at US 380
Summary
MEETING DATE: January 17, 2012
DEPARTMENT: Development Services / Engineering
CONTACT: Emily Braht, Landscape Architect/Arborist
RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION:
• Approval of the Resolution.
ITEM SUMMARY:
• This Resolution authorizes the 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 US 380 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 US 380 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 US380 interchange is scheduled to be completed this fiscal year.
• The annual cost of maintenance will be approximately $40,000.
• The improvements will be completed later this fiscal year leaving three months of maintenance estimated to cost approximately $10,000.
BOARD OR COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION:
• N/A