Minutes 01/12/1988 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

January 12, 1988 "With the adoption of City Council's Goals and Objectives in 1984, you emphasized the need to work closely with the Virginia Department of Transportation (Objective C) to initiate a visual improvement program for all Interstate interchanges in the City. Since 1984 we have been successful in having the Highway Department upgrade their Interstate road and roadside maintenance program. Their efforts have been complemented by Public Works and Parks and Recreation's efforts to maintain the ramps and open space. Because of the construction of the second Downtown Tunnel it was felt th~tlit was appropriate to have the ext~rior~of the ventilation building improved (facade), as well as full landscaping of the interchange as~ part of the overall construction project. According to Mr. C. A. Nash, District Engineer, the~ facade improvements have been designed and approved for funding and~ will be initiated once the interior work on the ventilation system has been completed (fall 1988). As it relates to the landscaping component, on Tuesday, July 28, 1987, you appropriated $50,000 towards the proposed tunnel landscape project and authorized me to enter into an agreement with the State for its construction. The state Department of Transportation has opened bids for the project and has informed us that the low bi~ Was received from Arbor Landsca~i~ng, Inc. Contract price Construction Engineering Contingencies $320,110 18,567 32,011 Total $370,688 Portsmouth's Share (50%) Prior Appropriation $185,344 50,000 Amount Requested $135,344 The 1987-88 CIP ~earmarks funds for this project with supplemental funding from previous authorizations (street scapes). With the Virginia Department of Transportation's assistance, the project is now close to becoming a reality (spring 1988 planting). As previously stated, the project will make a "visual statement" regarding the importance of beautification to all residents and visitors to our community (image). In addition, it will complsment City Council's efforts to market PortCentre and the waterfront (High street corridor, Olde Towne, PORTSIDE, etc.). I commend my staff for creatively accomplishing this gOal and I recommend that City Council appropriate $135,344 to match State funds for thi~ project." Motion of Mr. Gray and seconded by Mrs. Lucas, the following ordinance was approved on first reading, and was adopted by unanimous vote: "AN ORDINANCE TO APPROPRIATE $135,344. FROM THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND FOR THE STREET-TREE IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM."