By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
The start of the long-anticipated installation of a roundabout at the Five Points intersection in Decatur is moving ever closer, awaiting better weather.
And with the roundabout will come a sprucing up of the Five Points area, it was learned at city council’s meeting Tuesday night.
Council discussed improvements to be made on Adams St., between First and Third streets. With several questions needing answers, council delayed any final decisions until its next meeting, on February 18.
The improvements will include new sewer lines, new street lights, and irrigation for the vegetation to be installed.
City Operations Manager Jeremy Gilbert said he has following quotes: $58,000 for sewer and sidewalk work, $99,250 for street lighting, and $32,500 for irrigation.
Gilbert said he was bringing the subject before council, saying, “I’m just trying to get a feel for what you guys would want to see there.”
The work will be done before the roundabout project shifts into high gear.
“Basically, it will be a total reconstruction,” Gilbert said.
A new sewer line is needed in the area in front of the Haggard, Hirschy & Zelt Funeral Home at the Third St. intersection, Gilbert said. That will prompt some new sidewalks, with Gilbert noting that sidewalks in that entire area “are pretty bad.”
One of the decisions to be made involves whether or not to install decorative street lights, like those in the nearby downtown area.
It was decided to approve a contract for irrigation so once the project is completed city workers won’t be having to take time out from other work to water the flowers, etc. each day in the warm-weather months.
Clerk-Treasurer Kevin Hackman said CEDIT (County Economic Development Income Tax) would likely fund most of the project.
“I’m all for it, it’s just a question of how much to spend,” Mayor Dan Rickord said.
About the Author
