MONROE - The Board of Public Works recommended Josh D. Landscaping & Design of Monroe install plant life around the downtown parking lot at the site of the former downtown municipal parking ramp, making final steps in a project that began with ramp demolition Dec. 5.
Director of Public Works Al Gerber advised the committee to choose the landscaping company Monday after reviewing bids from four local businesses. Offers ranged from $6,300 to $3,100; Josh D.'s contract request totaled $3,166.
In total, work at the former ramp lot will be roughly $17,000. Plants will be provided by McKay Nursery for $3,740, and the city plans to use trees from the planting program offered by the Parks and Recreation Department. Examples include Princeton elms and London planetrees, which Gerber noted were recommended by McKay Nursery. Board member Charles Koch noted their color, which Gerber said was one reason. Another is the trees' smaller stature, which makes them less imposing in a downtown area.
Costs from Terra Construction of Madison included the packing of dirt around the perimeter of the parking lot once demolition and ground filling had taken place. Supplying light poles and electrical work will cost roughly $8,000, Gerber said.
The Monroe Common Council will need to formally accept the recommendation. It is not listed as an item on tonight's meeting agenda. Aldermen agreed to landscape the area on a 7-2 vote at the beginning of April for an estimate of $32,000. Signs still need to be chosen and placed.
Landscaping will be limited to the south and west sides of the lot, as well as half of the north side due to a number of utility lines running underneath the alley east of the parking lot. Gerber had advised the council in April to avoid tearing up that side because of the lines. He also suggested the current plan as a way to ensure the total number of 68 flat parking stalls and 14 additional spots along the north entryway could be maintained. Other plans for more work eliminated some of the parking spaces.
Plans for beautification of the lot were considered after Main Street Monroe suggested a design to the city, one which outlined landscaping along the perimeter and a brick sign emphasizing the area as public parking. Gerber said work to install plants and trees will likely begin at the end of July, once all landscaping stock is reviewed and organized.
Director of Public Works Al Gerber advised the committee to choose the landscaping company Monday after reviewing bids from four local businesses. Offers ranged from $6,300 to $3,100; Josh D.'s contract request totaled $3,166.
In total, work at the former ramp lot will be roughly $17,000. Plants will be provided by McKay Nursery for $3,740, and the city plans to use trees from the planting program offered by the Parks and Recreation Department. Examples include Princeton elms and London planetrees, which Gerber noted were recommended by McKay Nursery. Board member Charles Koch noted their color, which Gerber said was one reason. Another is the trees' smaller stature, which makes them less imposing in a downtown area.
Costs from Terra Construction of Madison included the packing of dirt around the perimeter of the parking lot once demolition and ground filling had taken place. Supplying light poles and electrical work will cost roughly $8,000, Gerber said.
The Monroe Common Council will need to formally accept the recommendation. It is not listed as an item on tonight's meeting agenda. Aldermen agreed to landscape the area on a 7-2 vote at the beginning of April for an estimate of $32,000. Signs still need to be chosen and placed.
Landscaping will be limited to the south and west sides of the lot, as well as half of the north side due to a number of utility lines running underneath the alley east of the parking lot. Gerber had advised the council in April to avoid tearing up that side because of the lines. He also suggested the current plan as a way to ensure the total number of 68 flat parking stalls and 14 additional spots along the north entryway could be maintained. Other plans for more work eliminated some of the parking spaces.
Plans for beautification of the lot were considered after Main Street Monroe suggested a design to the city, one which outlined landscaping along the perimeter and a brick sign emphasizing the area as public parking. Gerber said work to install plants and trees will likely begin at the end of July, once all landscaping stock is reviewed and organized.