2/24/1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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• • Since the January 13th meeting, some changes to the landscaping plan have been made based on input from MOT and county staff. First, more landscaping material is now proposed along the I-95/SR 60 on and off ramps, and those improvements are proposed for the next phase (Phase 2) rather than the last phase (Phase 3). Second, Washingtonia palms will be used nether than Queen palms; live oaks will be used in the more spacious areas. and crepe myrtle and wild flower species are proposed in some areas to add color. Changes should also result in a lowering of estimated annual maintenance costs at project "build -out" from $32.000/year to $24,000/year. Only Phase 2 will be covered by the proposed 1998 grant application, with Phase 3 to be covered by the 1999 grant. It should be noted that some design changes will be made in the future to the Phase 3 portions of the landscape plan. Revised Phase 3 plans will be presented to the Board next year when staff will request authorization to apply for the 1999 grant for Phase 3. Similar to recent action taken by the Board in regard to a highway beautification grant for the Wabasso Causeway, the Board needs to adopt a resolution to apply for the 1998 grant for Phase 2. The necessary resolution is attached, and staff will forward the resolution to MOT as part of the application. Staff has worked with Horizon to develop a cash deposit and escrow agreement to guarantee that Horizon, or any successor owner/developer of the outlet mall project, contributes the cash funds necessary for the 1998 (Phase 2) grant application and for a 1999 (Phase 3) grant application. The agreement format is based on similar agreements used by the county to guarantee construction and maintenance of subdivision improvements. The attached escrow agreement has been approved by the county attorney's office and will "lock in" Horizon's financial commitment to the overall landscape project. Staff recommends that the Board give final authorization for staff to apply for the 1998 (Phase 2) highway beautification grant, adopt the attached resolution, and authorize the chairman to execute the attached cash deposit and escrow agreement upon execution by Horizon and deposit of funds. Planning Director Stan Boling advised that some changes have been made to the plan and pointed out that contributions from Horizon will include the design work, site preparation, and cash contributions. A cash deposit and escrow agreement is also a part of the backup package. Staff is recommending that the Board grant authorization to apply for the grant, adopt the resolution, and authorize the Chairman to execute the agreement. Commissioner Macht commented that nothing obligates Horizon to defray the County's maintenance expenses, and Director Boling agreed that maintenance will be the County's responsibility but that the maintenance costs have been decreased through some of the changes to the project. Commissioner Macht still was unable to see why taxpayers have any obligation to maintain a private company's landscaping. Commissioner Adams felt this is a wonderful example of a public-private partnership and felt Horizon should be commended for their contributions. She did not see any difference in maintaining this landscaping and in maintaining public parks. This is an entryway to the County and will reflect a very positive image. FEBRUARY 24, 1998 -37- bm 10 ` F'r�UF f/