SEBASTIAN – The City of Sebastian is in the “almost start-up phase” of beautifying three medians along County Road 512/Sebastian Boulevard.
The Sebastian City Council recently approved a maintenance agreement with Indian River County, taking full responsibility of keeping the landscaping and other improvements in shape.
The medians targeted are those at the intersections of Sebastian Boulevard and Barber Street, Roseland Road, and Fleming Street.
The agreement is one of two pieces the city needs in place before work can begin on the project. The other piece is a construction permit, which the county is currently reviewing and is expected to approve, according to City Manager Al Minner.
While the council approved the maintenance agreement without question, Vice Mayor Don Wright asked about the difference in projected cost estimates from the two companies that bid the work.
The city has approximately $250,000 left in the budget for the work, including the grant funding the city received.
One company estimates the project will cost about $350,000, while the other estimates the price tag to be closer to $440,000.
Minner told the council that he expects to bring back the contract at a later date, once the permit and agreement are finalized.
“I’m not overly concerned” with the price difference, Minner said. “We have more work to do on that.”
“Both companies seem to be reputable at this time,” the city manager added.
Mayor Jim Hill noted that the economy has impacted businesses differently, which could be a reason for the $90,000 price difference between the two contractors.
Given the projected budgetary shortfall, Mayor Hill said he would rather not see the city “throw more money” at it and, instead, prioritize the medians.
“This is going to be pretty exciting to see this done,” he said of the project.
Along with adding landscaping to the medians, the city has plans to improve the cross walks. Such improvements could include stamped pavement.