09 - Toole Design Group Memorandum

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A third area we have been working on for a few years is the expansion of the Market Square, and tying those improvements east to the library and Bywaters Park. The landscape architect from Toole has put together a great concept drawing to help visualize the possibilities of this space and to inspire investors and visitors alike. Ultimately, the most important role assigned to the Toole Group was to prepare the engineering and traffic data we needed to convince TXDOT and others of the validity of the suggested changes. Specific and formal approval of many of the ideas in the memorandum and in the city's extant downtown plan will take additional work, mush more time, and additional consulting fees. However, the Toole Design Group met our expectations and directions in every regard, and we appear to have support from our local TXDOT folks. The memorandum's recommendations, with which we concur completely, include: • Seek official City Council support; • Incorporate the plans and recommendations into the City's Official Plan and other plans as appropriate; • Identify funding sources (including the State Transportation Improvement Program); • Conduct a survey; • Develop cost estimates; • Incorporate recommendations into currently planned projects that alter the streets; • Prioritize the projects that are not part of another project; • Conduct additional outreach to the community and business owners; • Work with the TxDOT on finding and implementing the recommended changes; and • Design, engineer, and construct the projects. BUDGET: This project is currently unfunded. RECOMMENDATION: Include the memorandum in the updated comprehensive plan, and work with city staff in developing a work plan and CIP to prioritize projects and identify funding to ensure project components go forward.