Plant City Manager Greg Horwedel updated city leaders on eight projects currently underway in the community at the Oct. 14 City Commission meeting.
Mayor Mary Thomas Mathis said she was impressed that there were so many projects during a time of economic hardship.
“That is (a testament) to you and (the) staff, and I just want to publicly say, ‘Thank you,’” Mathis said to Horwedel.
The projects range from park to road improvements.
BREWER PARK
Work continues on Brewer Park, located off Grant Street.
All the required parts for the fountain installation have been ordered. The installation will begin in two weeks.
The gazebo shelter site will be graded next week. The shelter is expected to ship Nov. 5. The building department has gazebo plans and is ready to issue the building permit to the installer.
Benches, trash cans and bike rack amenities are expected to be shipped by Oct. 25.
“It’s going to be a very, very attractive park,” Horwedel said.
MENDONSA ROAD
The sidewalk project has been delayed until the roadway project has been completed.
The final as-built and project closeout is scheduled for next week. Trees also are scheduled to be installed along Mendonsa next week.
ELLIS-METHVIN PARK
Phase two of improvements to Ellis Methvin Park on Cherry Street includes final grading and sod for six soccer fields. Project materials for additional lighting will be delivered Nov. 15. On-site earth moving is scheduled to begin Oct. 21.
Last December, the commission had awarded a $55,860 contract to Gary Knight’s Excavating and Site Services Inc. for 9,500 cubic yards of fill material for phase two.
The project is expected to be completed by January.
SIDEWALKS PROJECT
The city is soliciting quotes for the construction of two sidewalk projects. The projects include sidewalk construction from Alabama Street from Park Road to Maryland Avenue and Church Street from Gordon Street to Maryland Avenue.
The subcontractor construction of the sidewalk in Walden Lake East was released, because of complaints regarding performance. In a few weeks, a new contractor will be secured.
CHERRY STREET TRAFFIC CALMING
The city did not receive the Florida Department of Transportation “Safe Sidewalks” grant to add traffic calming measures to Hillsborough Community College’s Plant City campus.
A bid will be going out this month for the project, which would need to be constructed during HCC’s winter break.
AIRPORT ROAD
The bump at the intersection of Airport Road and Old Sydney Road is scheduled to be removed this month.
PLANT CITY DOG PARK
All fence materials have been shipped, and fence installation should begin in two weeks.
A preliminary sign layout has been completed and is in the process of being finalized.
RECREATION AND PARKS BUILDING
The parking lot is scheduled to be replaced this month.
IN OTHER NEWS
• Pursuant to new state legislation, the City Commission now will allow up to 30 minutes of public comment at the beginning of every commission meeting. Mayor Mary Thomas Mathis will have the authority to reduce the time allotted for each speaker to accommodate more speakers. Preference will be given to speakers who wish to address items on the agenda. If 30 minutes is not enough time, speakers will be given an opportunity to address the commission at the end of the meeting.
• Dennis Sweeney, of the code enforcement division, received employee recognition for positive feedback from citizens.
• Commissioner Bill Dodson was absent from the meeting, because of a trip to San Francisco.
