Title
Resolution Authorizing a Contract with Randal Romie, Designature Landscape Architects, ASLA, for a Beautification and Identification Plan and Landscape Maintenance Services in the Dunleath Historic District/Municipal Service District, not to exceed $100,000
Body
Council Priorities: Create an Environment to Promote Economic Development Opportunities and Job Creation; Maintain Infrastructure and Provide Sustainable Growth Opportunities
Department: Planning
Council District: 2
Public Hearing: No
Advertising Date/By: NA
Contact 1 and Phone: Sue Schwartz, 373-2149
Contact 2 and Phone: Russ Clegg, 373-2211
PURPOSE:
The Planning Department requests the City Council to authorize a contract with Randal Romie, Designature Landscape Architects, ASLA, for a Beautification and Identification Plan and Landscape Maintenance Services in the Dunleath Historic District/Municipal Service District. A City Council resolution authorizing the contract is required by State Statue 160A-536(d1).
BACKGROUND: The Dunleath Historic District has been a Municipal Service District (MSD) since 1989. Property owners pay $.05 per $100 of property value in property taxes that are used to fund special enhancements in the area and maintain the special character of the historic district. The neighborhood has several landscape areas that are maintained through a contract that utilizes this funding.
In 2017, the neighborhood voted to change their name from “Historic Aycock” to “Dunleath Historic District Neighborhood” to reflect its connections with the historic Dunleath Estate that once stood on Chestnut Street. The project under the proposed contract seeks to develop a “brand” for the neighborhood that links to the Dunleath history by redesigning existing and adding new entryway signage, designing and installing additional landscape areas, and implementing overall beautification/identification efforts tied to the neighborhood’s renaming to “Dunleath”. The project aligns with the Neighborhood’s Strategic Plan under “Enhance Neighborhood Gateways” and “Neighborhood Identity”. The contract includes design services, coordination of sign fabrication and installation and monthly landscaping maintenance not to exceed $100,000 over a period of 24 months with an option to extend for an additional 12 months.
An advertised Public Hearing was held at the Historic Preservation Commission meeting on October 30, 2019 and the Commission voted unanimously in support of the contract.
BUDGET IMPACT: All expenses are paid for by the neighborhood’s Municipal Service District fund account #210200101.