By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
Following a lengthy discussion at its meeting Tuesday night, Decatur City Council agreed to move forward with a project to spruce up the immediate area around the new Five Points roundabout.
Work on installation of the roundabout is on schedule to begin this spring and now, so are the improvements in the nearby area.
That area includes: portions of Mercer Ave., Winchester St., Second St. north of the intersection, and portions of Adams street west and east of the intersection.
City Operations Manager Jeremy Gilbert, in sparking the discussion, said,”I just want some direction of which way to go. I want this thing to look good, but I understand we have to be aware of the costs.”
Council eventually approved the expenditures of $58,000 for excavation, sewer and sidewalk work, etc., and another $38,500 to provide irrigation for the vegetation that will be installed. Gilbert has bids for both.
But $99,000 for six street lights was not included. It may well be added next year, when more funds are available.
A shifting of some funds already in this year’s budget and CEDIT (County Economic Development Funds) monies will used to pay for the project. Also, Clerk-Treasurer Kevin Hackman said the city’s redevelopment commission may help out.
Since new street lights won’t be installed this year, a decision was delayed on whether or not to use decorative lights such as those downtown.
The work approved by council will be done right along with the installation of the roundabout.
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