The details
The gateway feature construction has been in the works since 2019 and comes at a cost of $199,840, bringing the total cost to around $224,840 for the design and construction.
Funding for the project is provided through grant funds from the Municipal Development District, which raises money through city sales tax.
AAA Time Saver Services was recognized as the lowest bidder on the project, and will be awarded the contract for the project.
City Manager Scott Huizenga said this project has been through multiple committees including the Branding Advisory Committee and Gateway Feature Committee.
“This project started as a resident committee to provide a conceptual design for the monument,” Huizenga said.
What they’re saying
During the meeting, resident Kevin Cox spoke against the construction of the gateway feature, raising concerns about the cost of the project, the necessity of an entry sign and community involvement in the project.
“I believe this project is financially irresponsible and hasn’t been properly communicated to the residents of the city,” he said.
Council members Keith Rhoden and Jonathan Swarek alongside Mayor Greg Maxton supported the project, highlighting the lengthy process to bring the gateway feature to fruition.
“This thing has survived for this long through this many committees and nobody has shown up to stop it,” Swarek said. “It is here now. It doesn’t seem like everybody is against it. It seems like the city just wants something to be proud of.”
While council supported the construction, concerns about cost were raised, and city staff said the cost provided was negotiated down from the original proposal, while maintaining the integrity of the project.
City Council approved the project unanimously. Huizenga said the project will have an estimated one year turnaround window, meaning the project will be completed in 2026.
