memorandum

to:                  Roger L. Stancil, Town Manager

from:            George Small, P.E., Director of Engineering

Kenneth C. Pennoyer, Business Management Director

Lance Norris, Public Works Director

Butch Kisiah, Parks and Recreation Director

subject:      Budget Amendment for Installation of a Landscape Buffer between Christopher Road and Fordham Boulevard

date:            September 8, 2008

PURPOSE

Approval of the attached project ordinance amendment would establish revenue and expenditure of $50,000 for installation of a landscaping buffer between Christopher Road and Fordham Boulevard.

BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION

The Town and N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) entered into an agreement for installation of a landscaping buffer between Christopher Road and Fordham Boulevard. The agreement was authorized by the Council in November 2007 and signed by both agencies in December 2007.  The agreement includes the following key elements:

• The State will provide reimbursement of expenses up to $50,000.
• The Town will install the landscape buffer using a private contractor.
• The funding will cover costs for installation, delivery, and one year of maintenance of the proposed plantings in the landscape buffer.
• The Town’s Landscape Division will maintain the plantings after the first year.

The Town staff developed the landscaping plan, which was approved by NCDOT.  We are in the process of receiving bids for the project and expected to start the construction this fall.

RECOMMENDATION

That the Council enact the attached project ordinance amendment that would establish revenue and expenditure of $50,000 for installation of a landscaping buffer between Christopher Road and Fordham Boulevard.

ATTACHMENTS

1. Copy of agenda item from November 2007 authorizing the DOT agreement (begin new page 1).