Council pauses $1.1M University Parkway median landscaping award after split among councilmembers

Council members at the Jan. 20 meeting debated whether to proceed with a $1.1 million landscaping and median project for the University Parkway/State Street extension and the associated recurring maintenance estimate of $60,000 per year.

Several councilmembers said the original median (pavers/river rock) had been completed earlier, then removed at a previous city manager’s direction; they argued restoring the original low‑maintenance finish would better align with city precedent and operating budgets. Others, including the ward councilmember for the area, described the corridor as a gateway that needs investment and said the bare median is an eyesore and public‑safety concern.

Staff, the public works director and the city engineer explained the higher cost is driven in part by technical constraints, including specialized boring for conduits to cross a 108‑inch water line and Department of Water Resources approvals. Funding for the award was described as available in the regional circulation fund allocated to the University Parkway extension; staff said the remaining account balance would cover the landscape award without tapping the general fund.

Council weighed speed, safety and maintenance tradeoffs and asked staff to provide alternative, lower‑maintenance options, cost comparisons and whether reverting to the prior rock/paver design would require re‑approvals. Public works suggested continuing the item to allow staff to consult the Department of Water Resources and preserve the current bid; council agreed and voted unanimously to continue the item so the council can decide with additional information.

Council also debated the size of contingencies on CIP projects. After discussion, council directed staff to reduce an unusually large contingency on a related project to 15% and to return with explanations if additional funding is later needed. Staff said they will report back on options and the permitting path required to revert designs if the council directs.