January 29, 2015 - A revitalization project for the downtown Center square takes another step closer to fruition as the Center City Council approved an engineering contract for it at their recent meeting on Monday, January 26, 2015.
The engineering services contract with EGA is for the 2014 Downtown Revitalization Texas Capital Fund Grant. This project is for Cora, Shelbyville and San Augustine Streets and the area included is from the current courthouse to the square and a block of both Cora Street and Shelbyville Street.
"This is predominantly grant money, the Street EDC has agreed to do the match. We finally scored the engineering, based on the submission this is the engineering contract that allows to proceed with final design. Hopefully we could be under construction as early as summer," said Chad Nehring, City Manager.
The recycling program which has been anticipated with much enthusiasm by many citizens in Center is getting closer to returning as the council approved Resolution 2015-6 accepting the TCEQ Solid Waste Grant, "You have the contract before you tonight and we actually are trying to fast track things as much as possible. Later, items should be approved, this is actually to go ahead and acquire the truck so that we can start due process ASAP."
Later in the meeting, the council approved the purchase of a 2015 Ford pickup truck from Center Motor Company for $22,264.85. This truck will be used for the recycling program.
The council approved Resolution 2015-7 for a contract with MHS Planning and Design LLC for Preliminary Design and TPWD Grant Application which would allow for a park project in Center. Nehring explained that every two to four years, Texas Parks and Wildlife opens up their major park application for grant cycle.
"This is the grant that was obtained for the original baseball field project back in '03 and it at that time was $500,000," said Nehring. "This one is for $400,000, it does have to include cooperative arrangements with both private and other governmental entities to score capable of funding."
He stated there is a local potential private donor who would like to put money into a park project. An addition to the mini park is one possibility in which the donor would like to participate.
The purchase of a Vacuum/Hydro Excavation truck was approved by the council for $101,130. This truck will be used by the sewer and water departments and purchased new would cost $400,000 to $445,000. The truck is a 2009 model, has 27,556 miles on the odometer and has less than 4,500 hours on the engine.
Nehring shared toward the end of the meeting Jason Mitchell felt he had "hit a home run" with the state tournaments coming to Center again this year.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:23pm.
Items on the agenda receiving approval include: 1 Regular minutes of January 12, 2015 meeting. 2 Resolution 2015-5 Approving Financial Advisors with SAMCO. 3 Resolution 2015-6 Accepting TCEQ Solid Waste Grant. 4 Resolutiuon 2015-7 Approving contract with MHS for Preliminary Design and TPWD Grant Application. 5 Award Engineering Services Contract to EGA for 2014 Downtown Revitalization Texas Capital Fund Grant for Cora, Shelbyville and San Augustine Streets. 6 Purchase of Recycling Program truck. 7 Purchase of Vacuum/Hydro Excavation truck.
