Board targets downtown lighting, dumpster screening and signage; staff to seek engineering estimates

Staff outlined a downtown capital-improvement package that emphasizes pedestrian and security lighting, dumpster screening, improved street signage and fencing near the railroad corridor. Raelyn said consultants will be needed to assess how lighting fits with existing poles, whether banner brackets or taller fixtures are feasible and the engineering coordination required with TxDOT and Union Pacific for right-of-way work.

Staff added a priority to obtain a cost estimate for railroad-screening and dumpster enclosures and said some of the work could be funded in coordination with the corporation’s Quiet Zone design standards. Staff also told the board that resurfacing work on South Valley is scheduled under a Summer Streets program and that dumpster consolidation (one dumpster per block) plus municipally paid solid-waste service for consolidated downtown dumpsters could be proposed to city council to reduce tenant costs.

Board members discussed pedestrian lighting, backlit street signs and whether to roll the project into a borrow (debt) or split it across fiscal years; staff said the lighting purchase and installation would likely span fiscal 2026 and 2027 and that engineering would identify grant and borrowing options. Members also raised the prospect of pairing ambient background music with new lighting and sound infrastructure; staff said the city’s system is now capable of supporting permanent audio when needed for events but suggested consultants evaluate the cost and placement.

Staff will return with engineering proposals, cost estimates and draft concepts for board review and asked the board whether to pursue a phased implementation or a larger integrated project when pricing is available.